Commission recommends Abigail Farley to join Commission on Disability after members highlight her lived and education experience

The Commission on Disability recommended Abigail Farley to fill an open seat after Farley described her lived experience with neurodivergence, professional background in education, and interest in sidewalk and accessibility issues.

Farley told the commission she has personal experience with special education and professional experience in political science and education, and said those perspectives informed her interest in the commission's work. Members praised the diversity of experience she would bring and discussed related priorities such as sidewalks, outreach and recruitment for people with diverse disabilities.

A motion to recommend Abigail to the commission was made and seconded; a recorded vote—Don Priest, Kelly Burke, Jasmine and Chair Cindy Kane—voted yes. Members noted that the select board's agenda would also consider the recommendation and that the commission's role includes community outreach. Separately, the commission agreed to staff a table at the Thompson Historical Society arts and crafts fair Sept. 19–20 to distribute forms and informational one-pagers and to engage residents on accessibility issues.

Members also flagged future agenda topics including exploration of handheld voting devices for voters unable to voice-vote, town-meeting accessibility and establishing gift and 22G accounts to accept parking-fee revenue. Chair announced the commission's next meetings (July 30 and Aug. 27) and adjourned the session.