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Resident urges improved ADA accommodations for meetings, citing hearing‑loss barriers
Summary
A resident told the council that the current camera placement and audio make meetings inaccessible to people with hearing loss and urged the town to provide auxiliary aids and services under Title II of the ADA, such as assisted listening devices and better camera/microphone placement.
At the public comment portion of the Nov. 12 meeting, resident Frank (148 Royal Oaks Drive) told the council he has severe, profound hearing loss and said the current camera placement and audio setup in the council chamber do not allow people with hearing loss to follow proceedings effectively.
Frank cited Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and said public entities must provide auxiliary aids and services so that people with disabilities can 'communicate effectively.' He recommended that the town consider assisted listening devices, a camera system that more closely frames speakers in the dais well, captioning or other aids, and offered to work with staff on specific recommendations.
"The ADA requires public entities to take steps necessary to communicate effectively with people who have disabilities," Frank said, adding that assisted listening devices and sightlines to speakers are essential for many residents to participate.
Councilmembers acknowledged the concern; the mayor and staff encouraged Frank to work with planning/IT and public‑works staff (Corey referenced) to identify options and to return with suggestions. Frank said he had discussed the issue with staff already and offered to assist further.
Next steps: Council asked staff to follow up to explore assistive listening and audiovisual adjustments that would improve accessibility at public meetings.
