Wakefield commission presses ahead on website accessibility, hearing assistance and meeting supports

The Wakefield Commission on Disabilities met June 1 and heard staff plans to accelerate several accessibility upgrades across town, including efforts to make the municipal website and documents readable for assistive technologies, deploy or retrofit hearing‑assist systems in public venues, and better advertise meeting‑day accommodation options.

Commissioners said the work matters because clearer access and better outreach will let residents with disabilities participate more fully in town meetings, events and school programs. Staff emphasized the practical steps under consideration and requested volunteer commissioners to test potential vendor tools.

Bill Renault, who briefed the commission, said the federal compliance deadline for online accessibility has been pushed back a year but staff plan to continue work. "The federal government decided to push the compliance deadline out a year but we're still staying kind — we've already been kind of working on it," he said, describing vendor packages that add accessibility features and an AI‑powered reader that converts scanned PDFs into readable documents. Renault asked for one or two commissioners to test the tool on other towns' sites and report back so the town can evaluate options before any contract discussions.

Members also discussed assistive‑listening options for the Galvin Auditorium and other venues. Renault confirmed the Galvin already has a T‑coil system and described AraCast as a newer, web‑based option that the commission could site‑visit to assess compatibility with hearing aids and broadcasting equipment. Commissioners explored logistics for setup, time needed, and WCAT's role as a possible backup for deployment and training.

Separately, commissioners pressed for clearer public notice of available meeting accommodations, including childcare or caregiving services and hearing supports. Janice urged that accommodation contact information be printed in meeting booklets and posted on the town website and suggested a standard advance notice window (staff recommended two weeks where possible). The group discussed training for elected and appointed officials so moderators and staff recognize and respond when participants need in‑person assistance.

Next steps: staff will compile vendor options after a small internal review, schedule demonstrations and circulate materials for commissioners to test; the commission also asked staff to work with the communications office and WCAT on messaging and on-site support plans.