Needham committee to draft 'know your rights' web resources, explores digital-accessibility subcommittee

Committee members reviewed 'know your rights' templates circulated by neighboring human-rights groups and discussed adding similar resources to the Town of Needham website. A staff member told the committee she could make website updates if the group provided guidance and materials to review. Members agreed to compile sample resources and asked staff to bring a draft to the next meeting for committee review and a possible vote.

Discussion emphasized leveraging existing town and nonprofit materials rather than recreating content. Committee members suggested linking to resources already maintained by local organizations, including materials in multiple languages and printed "know your rights" guidance already stationed at town buildings.

Separately, members proposed forming a digital-accessibility subcommittee to address web and document accessibility (color contrast, headings, screen-reader compatibility, and registration portals). One member noted that many accessibility fixes require no new budget and instead need training and checklists; the committee agreed digital accessibility is a priority and to recruit volunteers for the subcommittee at the next meeting.

The committee did not take a final vote to publish materials at this meeting; members instead directed staff to prepare a draft web page and to circulate it before the next regular meeting so the committee could vote on the content.