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Disability Commission votes to request name change to 'Commission on Disability'
Summary
The Bedford Disability Commission voted Feb. 10 to send a memo to the Select Board requesting the name change to "Commission on Disability" to align with state terminology and adopt people-first language; the Select Board liaison abstained.
The Bedford Disability Commission voted on Feb. 10 to request that the Select Board change the body's name to "Commission on Disability." Commissioners said the change aligns the panel’s name with the Massachusetts Office on Disability and adopts people‑first language to reduce stigma.
Commission Chair Sarah Blackman framed the move as consistent with the town’s ADA Self‑Evaluation and Transition Plan. The motion to approve a memo requesting the name change passed by majority vote; Select Board liaison Terrence Parker abstained. The Commission will submit the memo to the Select Board chair and Town Manager for placement on a future Select Board agenda.
The decision does not itself change bylaws or take effect until the Select Board places the item on an agenda and acts; commissioners described this vote as a formal request to start that process.
