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Holyoke commission launches accessibility survey, uses parking‑fine funds for first budget
Summary
The Holyoke Commission on Disability announced a city‑funded first budget (sourced from handicap parking fines) and described a new accessibility survey available in English, Spanish and large print, plus outreach plans at summer events and an online QR code.
The Holyoke Commission on Disability said it has received its first city budget and is rolling out an accessibility survey to map barriers for residents with disabilities.
"In Massachusetts, 1 in 4 people are disabled," Commission Chair Lynn Horan said, citing census and public‑health figures as she outlined the commission's priorities. The newly approved funds, Horan said, come from fines on handicap parking violators and were approved with support from Mayor Garcia and the city council.
The commission has organized work into four priority categories and plans to start with public education and outreach. "We started up 4 different categories," Horan said. The survey is designed to identify where disabled residents live, the obstacles they face and caretaker needs. Officials plan printed copies in English and Spanish, a large‑print version for people with vision impairments, a digital form and a QR code for quick access.
Vice Chair Jessica Lebron Martinez described outreach plans at summer community events, senior centers and adult day programs to reach people who may face mobility or transportation challenges. "We're gonna try to, get more out to the community events that are coming up," she said, noting in‑person contact will supplement online distribution.
The budget also targets transportation and recreation. Horan said part of the transportation allocation would help the senior center obtain and maintain a wheelchair‑accessible vehicle and that the commission will support research into a potential Amtrak station grant in 2027. On parks, the commission is working with parks official John Moquin to make Pina Park more accessible and explore inclusive playground equipment that encourages integration.
Commissioners framed hybrid public meetings and remote participation as an accessibility gain realized during the pandemic. Horan and Martinez said continuing virtual options helps volunteers, caregivers and transit‑dependent residents participate in city business.
The commission said the survey will be posted on the city website and shared on its Facebook page; officials said volunteers will distribute hard copies at local partner organizations and events. The commission's members are volunteers and administrators may take a few days to update online pages, they said.
Next steps: the commission expects to begin broader distribution of the survey soon and to use responses to shape education, transportation and parks programming in the coming year.
