Charlton Select Board hears ADA self‑evaluation and transition plan update

The Town of Charlton Select Board on July 8, 2025 heard a detailed presentation on an updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self‑evaluation and transition plan funded by a $43,470 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability. Consultants from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, Jim Basick Consulting Services and the Center for Living and Working summarized findings for town buildings, recreation sites and sidewalks and recommended next steps.

The update, the presenters said, combines a policy-and-procedures review (self evaluation) with a facility-by-facility transition plan that lists fixes, cost estimates, priorities and suggested timelines. Connor Robichaud of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission said, “we were successful with a grant from the Mass Office of Disability last year to fund this work.” Mike Kennedy of the Center for Living and Working thanked town staff and boards for cooperating on the review.

Why it matters: the plan identifies dozens of physical and programmatic barriers that affect residents with disabilities, older residents and visitors and provides the town with a prioritized…