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Developer pitches no‑cost accessibility app pilot to Cornwall
Summary
David Civera proposed a free pilot of Rland Accessibility to map and score local businesses for wheelchair and stroller access; board members asked about legal exposure and opt‑out options for businesses.
David Civera, founder of Rland Accessibility, described a pilot that would score businesses and public locations on accessibility (entrances, ramps, bathrooms and circulation). Civera said the platform aggregates community input and existing data, and would not cost the town money to host during a proposed pilot: “We like to focus and showcase those that are accessible,” he said.
Board members raised questions about how the app treats businesses that do not want to be scored and about potential legal exposure. Civera said businesses can contact the platform to be featured or to engage in the scoring process; unsurveyed or insufficiently documented locations are not surfaced to users. He emphasized a community‑driven approach and a transparency feature that lets owners and users see why a site received a particular score.
The board generally reacted positively but requested more detail on owner protections and how the app handles partial accessibility. A member reminded the board that ADA obligations remain in force and that new construction is subject to federal accessibility rules; the board asked staff to return with language and a pilot agreement clarifying liabilities and outreach to local businesses.
No formal authorization was made at the meeting; the item will return for further discussion pending draft pilot terms and owner‑engagement protocols.
