The Holyoke Commission on Disability said on Sept. 25 it will begin outreach to community organizations before launching a resident survey, and that translation and captioning must be part of the process to reach people with limited English proficiency.

Chair Lynn said the commission will contact neighborhood organizations ahead of distributing a SurveyMonkey or Google Forms questionnaire so residents know the commission exists and can prepare responses. "We may attend a couple events in the fall ... to let them know us as well and tell them that to get them to start thinking about it," Lynn said.

Members discussed options for translation services and whether the commission’s modest funds could pay for translated parking applications. Kelly Curran said closed captioning is free on the planned Zoom account and that Zoom offers translation packages; members also discussed city resources such as bilingual clerks and the school system as possible translation partners.

On transportation, Marlene and others discussed working with the regional transit authority to repurpose decommissioned vehicles or contribute funds for upgrades instead of buying a new van, and checking interest at the senior center and other community groups.

Chair Lynn reported an email from Sarah Meiser Simbler at the Holyoke Housing Authority about South Holyoke Homes. "They have one home that is fully ADA compliant, and they haven't had a family contact them about it yet," Lynn said, and asked members for outreach suggestions to connect accessible units to residents in need.

Why it matters: The survey, translation work and transportation outreach are aimed at improving access for residents with disabilities and connecting them to services and housing options; doing this work early and with translated materials could increase participation and uptake of available accessible housing.