Commission backs $500 for April disability event; plans autism training and accessible seating improvements

The Needham Commission on Disabilities voted to spend up to $500 to support a disability-focused community event scheduled for April 3, the commission reported at its January meeting.

Commission members said the April 3 event — part of a disability film series with post-film panels and programming for adults and young adults — will be promoted to the community and hosted at Newman Elementary School. The commission approved a motion not to exceed $500 to cover speaker fees and refreshments; commissioners said the senior center and event organizers have also offered partial funding. The motion passed by roll call and was recorded as unanimous.

Commissioners also heard two related community-outreach updates. Maureen Callahan said Valente Farms has scheduled autism-welcoming training for staff; Callahan said she believed the training would take place late February (meeting discussion referenced a February 25 date) and that the commission had previously agreed to help cover training costs. Commission staff explained that for dispersal of funds the commission will place a funding vote on the February meeting agenda so that minutes will document the authorization required to disburse grant funds.

Commission members discussed a film series being organized locally and agreed the commission can support promotion by sharing information on the commission's social media and, where possible, provide a short slide or flyer to be shown or distributed at screenings. One commissioner said the event organizers declined a direct speaker role for one visually impaired resident but offered to allow audience members to comment during Q&A; commissioners suggested placing the commission’s contact slide on the pre-screening materials and staffing a table at one or more screenings.

The commission also received an update on accessible seating at Memorial Park. Town staff and the commission’s members visited the site to determine where a wheelchair platform could be built. Staff reported the presence of a pole and grading complications that require extending a platform farther into the slope than originally planned. The work is in the town’s public-works planning process and funding is being explored; no construction timeline was provided.

Finally, the commission presented the Good Neighbor Award (informally reported) and discussed outreach for nominations for next year. No additional votes were taken on awards at the January meeting.