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Fitchburg Disability Commission approves minutes; members plan accessibility reviews, sensory‑friendly events and art programming
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting the Fitchburg Disability Commission approved December minutes, announced a resident’s national TV appearance with a service dog, planned a review of iPad sign‑in accessibility at Memorial Middle School, pursued sensory‑friendly events and submitted an arts grant.
The Fitchburg Disability Commission met Jan. 14, 2026, at Fitchburg City Hall and voted to approve its December 2025 meeting minutes before discussing events, accessibility concerns in city schools and plans for sensory‑friendly community programming.
Cap Corduam, a member of the commission, told fellow commissioners that local resident Liz Lesperance will appear on the Kelly Clarkson show on Jan. 28 with her new service dog Omaha to discuss Guiding Eyes for the Blind and the benefits a service dog has brought to her life; Corduam noted Lesperance’s retired service dog Sylvia previously participated with BePAWSitive Therapy Pets. Corduam also said BePAWSitive has expanded visits to the library, housing developments, the senior center and public safety departments and continues to offer training on animal care.
Amy LeBlanc, a commission member, reported receiving a call from a resident whose disability prevents driving and who is having trouble finding reliable transportation to work in Clinton. The commission advised contacting the director of the Senior Center for local options and suggested exploring PT1 transportation available through insurance; LeBlanc said she will pass that guidance to the caller.
Corduam and guest DJ Tardiff said they plan to visit Memorial Middle School the following day to assess the school’s digital sign‑in process, which Corduam said may be difficult for people with visual or physical disabilities. The commission flagged the iPad‑based sign‑in system as a potential accessibility barrier and intends to raise findings with the superintendent after the site visit.
Carolyn Quirk, a commission member, reported she submitted grant applications to the Fitchburg Cultural Council to support an All Abilities Art Project; Quirk said she is continuing classes at the Senior Center and with Fitchburg Housing while awaiting grant decisions.
On old business, the Mayor’s Office put forward reappointments for Tiffany, Carolyn Quirk, Barbara and Doris to the commission and indicated it will recommend DJ Tardiff for membership in the coming weeks. Emily Stark, a commission member, said she will reach out to college groups to partner on the next sensory‑friendly movie; Tardiff said he would survey students at Sizer School about film choices. Tardiff also proposed additional sensory‑friendly events such as family game nights and suggested approaching Stratton Players as a partner. Corduam said she will follow up with the owner of Parkhill Plaza about needed curb‑cut upgrades.
The commission voted to adjourn at 10:48 AM. Its next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2026, in the West Room at Fitchburg City Hall.
