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Commission hears ADA self-assessment and accessibility technology updates, including BoostLingo trial and mobility mats
Summary
Staff reported that the state extended CHAI grant funding for a fourth year, the ADA self-assessment RFP is posted (applications due May 14), and the commission discussed BoostLingo translations/ASL trials and limitations of two Mobi mats and DCR permitting for longer beach coverage.
Nick Alonzo, who said he is the community transportation coordinator working on ADA and transit matters, began with an update on the CHAI grant: the state has decided to fund the program for a fourth year, with final numbers to follow and staff input requested on priorities.
Alonzo also described recent accessibility purchases and pilots. The commission bought movie/Mobi mats to provide wheelchair and mobility-device access at events; a pilot at a veterans event informed rollout plans. On assistive technology, Alonzo described a planned 2026 trial of BoostLingo, a platform that provides live sign-language interpretation and audio/captioning in multiple languages via QR/web access. As he explained it, the platform can show a live interpreter signing and supply audio in the viewer's selected language.
Commissioners asked whether the signing is performed by a live person and how many interpreters are available; Alonzo said live interpreters are scheduled in advance and the platform also provides captions and translated audio. Commissioners and staff discussed logistical questions about the mats: the program currently has two 90-foot mats and will evaluate whether additional mats are needed as funding becomes available. Several members noted that beach access often requires longer continuous matting and that extending mat length on state-managed shoreline requires DCR permission.
Staff also reported the ADA self-assessment and transition plan RFP has been posted and applications are due May 14. Separately, staff said they plan to apply for an additional $125,000 implementation grant tied to the assessment; earlier outreach yielded positive responses after an initial automated rejection. Commissioners asked staff to return with a report on mat needs and DCR permissions at a future meeting.
