Danbury commission reviews ADA website compliance, tax exemptions and banking access for people who are blind

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the City of Danbury Commission for Persons with Disabilities discussed Title II website accessibility work, a tax exemption for individuals who are blind, and practical service barriers such as bank fees for large‑print checks and locating accessible rental vehicles.

Commissioner Frances Ryan said she is reviewing the City website under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and assessing the priority of links; she and others noted a target for Title II compliance work in 2026 and said Chair John Gentile had previously forwarded that information to the mayor's office. Ryan asked the commission to track website accessibility work as part of its oversight.

Guest Isabel Domber asked the commission to raise with the tax assessor, Donna Murphy, the tax exemption available for people who are blind so eligible residents receive it. Domber also reported that the Lions Club told her Union Savings Bank offers large‑print checks but that she was told by the bank the checks cost $1 each; Chair Gentile said he will check with Bank of America. Commissioner Ryan said Harland Clark supplies site checks but did not confirm whether there is a fee; Domber said she would check Costco.

The commission also addressed one member's need for an accessible rental vehicle after an automobile accident; Chair Gentile said he would provide a contact for Advanced Wheels in Windsor, Conn. The commission did not adopt formal policy or authorize expenditures at the meeting; members identified these items for follow up.