Parents press for district-wide accessibility audit as facilities director begins building visits

Members of the Special Education Advisory Committee reiterated support for a DEI advisory committee motion—sent to the school committee last year—asking the administration to conduct a district-wide facility audit to assess building condition, safety, ADA compliance and cultural inclusivity.

Committee members said turnover in the facilities department delayed progress, but noted that the district's new director of operations, Bridget Hayes, has started visiting school sites. Parents proposed combining an administrative audit with building-level parent and staff input so the motion gains timely momentum.

"It is a time issue at this point," a committee member said about moving the audit forward; others suggested parent listening sessions and surveys that align with the motion so SEAC can provide structured support. Members recommended including TAs, therapists, students and families who use each building daily to gather practical accessibility evidence.

Why it matters: A systematic audit would document ADA and safety issues (for example, accessible parking, power-door openers, elevator reliability and interior circulation) and add a parent/student lens to technical inspections. Several members pointed out everyday barriers—narrow circulation, push-button locations and restroom access—that affect students, staff and visitors.

Next steps: Members agreed to invite Bridget Hayes to a SEAC meeting, consider building-by-building parent teams, and draft a survey aligned to the DEI motion to support formal administrative action.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 1496, topfinish SEG 1634