Message from the Executive Director | |
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Dear MOD community:
This week marks my last at MOD, and my last week of over 35 years of public service. It is a bittersweet moment. Though I look forward to retirement, I have a mix of emotions about leaving at this time.
Many in the disability community are feeling anxious and uncertain about their rights amidst recent policy changes, particularly a challenge to Section 504, a vital legal protection for people with disabilities (more on that below). In January, I spoke on a panel convened by the Arc of Massachusetts about how Massachusetts is preparing and reacting to potential changes brought by the current presidential administration. I was also joined by Julia O'Leary, MOD's former General Counsel, who has transitioned to a new role at the Supplier Diversity Office. She is sorely missed!
I'm also filled with hope for the future - for MOD and for the Massachusetts disability community at large. Massachusetts has a long history of protecting disability rights, and several state-level laws still in place.
MOD is still here, answering your phone calls and emails and providing plain language, expert guidance on the ADA and other disability rights and accessibility laws and regulations. At the same time, we're monitoring legal challenges and potential changes to keep you informed of what those could mean for you.
For those concerned about their Medicaid coverage, our colleagues at the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) compiled resources, including a recorded webinar on potential changes to Medicaid with helpful information.
Thank you for being a part of MOD's community and the Massachusetts disability community at large. It has been an honor to serve as MOD's Executive Director and to work alongside all of you in creating a more accessible, inclusive Commonwealth.
Mary Mahon McCauley
Executive Director
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Celebrating Black History Month | |
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February marks Black History Month. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the history of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a vital legal protection for people with disabilities, and is in place thanks to dedicated activists - particularly Black disabled civil rights activists who recognized that disability rights were a natural extension of the wider civil rights movement.
Brad Lomax, a civil rights leader with multiple sclerosis, brought civil rights and disability rights activists together to advocate for the passage of Section 504 in 1977. This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding. Learn more about the contributions of Black disabled leaders in the disability rights and civil rights movements.
Want to learn more? Our colleagues at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center have an upcoming webinar series, The Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA. The series will include information on intersectionality, unique challenges and strengths of Black disabled communities, and advocacy strategies.
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The Section 504 case: What it means for you
In September, 17 states sued the United States government over Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This case is called Texas v. Becerra.
Section 504 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in places that receive federal funding. This includes places that provide important services for people with disabilities, such as healthcare facilities and schools. The 17 states argue that a new set of rules for Section 504 and Section 504 itself put unfair requirements on states to be able to receive important federal funding.
If Section 504 goes away, people with disabilities will still have rights under some other laws, like the ADA, Fair Housing Act, and state laws. But, this case is important because it would remove some disability-rights protections, like 504 plans from schools.
For the moment, there have been no changes to your legal rights or obligations under 504. MOD is monitoring the case as it continues or changes. MOD will keep you updated and explain what any changes could mean for you.
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MAAB Subcommittee on Regulations: Proposed Changes to 30% Rule
The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) is the state agency responsible for establishing and enforcing accessibility regulations for public buildings and facilities. The MAAB's Subcommittee on Regulations was established to review proposed changes to these accessibility regulations, address public feedback, and prepare recommendations for the Board's review. The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) sits on the MAAB and chairs the Subcommittee on Regulations.
All new constructions or alterations to covered facilities must comply with these accessibility regulations. The regulations also provide a straightforward variance process for properties that struggle to meet the codes and an easy complaint process for facilities lacking appropriate access. Certain provisions within the regulations offer reasonable exemptions that can be implemented without a variance. For instance, if a business has trouble meeting door clearance requirements, it can install an automatic door opener as a solution without needing a variance.
Recently, the Subcommittee has been reviewing the public comments received regarding the "30% rule" outlined in section 3.3.2 of the regulations. The "30% rule" says that if a renovation project costs more than 30% of the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a building, the building must comply fully with current accessibility requirements. EAV is an estimate of a property’s fair market value, used to ensure consistent and equitable taxation across different municipalities or regions of the Commonwealth and determined by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Based on the public comments received, the Subcommittee is drafting proposed changes to the 30% rule. The Subcommittee is working together to determine what changes they might want to make.
Once the Subcommittee has agreed on proposed changes, they will present the proposed changes to the Board. The Board will then begin their process to review the proposals, including additional public comment sessions.
MOD is closely monitoring these discussions and will keep our community informed about any changes that may impact you. MAAB and Subcommittee meetings are virtual and open to the public. The MAAB Subcommittee on Regulations usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 AM. MAAB typically meets every other Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The proposed changes will continue to be discussed during the next Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, March 26th, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
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Trail Access Working Group (TAWG)
MOD has joined the newly established Trail Access Working Group (TAWG) convened by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Currently, many trails present barriers for individuals with disabilities and seniors. TAWG aims to identify these challenges and set goals for improving access. The group recommends actions for state, local, and private programs, policies, and investments focused on adaptive trail design and outdoor recreation.
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Survey: Bike lane accessibility | |
Share your experience with accessible and inaccessible bike lanes
Bike lanes can have many benefits for a community. However, MOD has heard some concerns about bike lanes creating barriers to accessibility.
Please complete our anonymous bike lane accessibility survey to share your concerns with bike lanes and what you think could make them more accessible.
We can't set regulations on what bike lanes should look like or enforce accessibility standards., but your responses to this survey can help us give municipalities important information they need to make bike lanes more accessible.
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Snow removal and accessibility
Visit MOD's new snow removal and accessibility in Massachusetts guidance page for information on:
- Legal obligations for municipalities, businesses, homeowners, and renters,
- Rules for adequate snow removal, including width requirements for clear paths of travel (36 inches!),
- What to do if you can’t shovel snow because of your disability, whether you’re a business owner, homeowner, or renter,
- And more!
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Recorded webinar: Municipal Commissions on Disability | |
Creating Accessible Digital Documents
MOD's new Creating Accessible Digital Documents video series gives practical, step-by-step guidance on creating accessible documents in Microsoft Word. Topics include using the built-in accessibility checker, headings and table of contents, tables, lists, and columns.
This series was created in collaboration with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services' Center for Staff Development. We plan to expand it with more topics.
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Community Access Monitor (CAM) trainings
Various times
Virtual
The Community Access Monitor (CAM) Program trains you to survey buildings for accessibility and use your skills to advocate for compliance with various rules and regulations.
It is designed for people who want to advocate for increased access in their community and those who want to understand their obligations to provide access to the disability community, such as building inspectors, architects, business owners, builders, and Commissions on Disability.
The training covers:
- History of disability laws, regulations and rights
- Regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design
- New construction/alterations and existing facilities
- Effective communication
- How to survey a facility
- How to advocate for access
- Rights and responsibilities of a Community Access Monitor
Time commitment and registration instructions:
Beginner CAM training is a two-day training from 10 AM - 3 PM each day (10 hours total). There will be short breaks throughout. Registering online will register you for day 1. The link will register you for Day 1 only. Once you register, we will register you for Day 2. You will receive emails from Zoom with the meeting links for Day 1 and Day 2.
Register for a CAM training (10 AM - 3 PM each day):
Please note: Registration is limited. If you receive a message that the registration is full, please sign up for another training date or contact Ralph DeCicco, MOD's Access Specialist, at Ralph.DeCicco@mass.gov or (617) 979-7312.
Advanced CAM training
Advanced CAM trainings are available for people who have completed the 2-day CAM training in the past. You will be directly invited from MOD through email.
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Quarterly Tea with MOD: Municipal ADA Improvement Grant
Wednesday, April 23 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Virtual
MOD's Municipal ADA Improvement Grant provides funding to Massachusetts cities and towns to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Funding supports updating a municipality’s ADA Self Evaluation and Transition plans and making capital improvements that improve access or remove barriers in municipal programs, services, and facilities. The FY26 grant application opens on May 1, 2025.
This webinar will include information about:
- Eligible expenses,
- How applications are scored,
- The grant timeline,
- Tips for applying, and
- A live Q&A!
Register: Quarterly Tea - Municipal ADA Grant
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Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Information Session
Monday, May 19 | 11 AM - 12 PM
Virtual
This information session will provide an overview of the grant and a brief Q&A. This is an excellent opportunity for those who are unable to make our April 23rd Quarterly Tea and for FY26 applicants with questions about their application.
Register: ADA Grant Information Session
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Beyond Compliance: Equity, Access and the ADA!
Pacific ADA Center
Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 | 1 - 6 PM
Virtual
Cost: $60 - $200
Join the Pacific ADA Center for their virtual conference covering a wide range of ADA-related topics. It includes tracks specifically related to Healthcare, ADA Coordinators, General ADA information, Emergency Preparedness and Management, and Hospitality.
Pacific ADA Center Conference
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50/50 for Employment First Conference
MA-APSE
Thursday, April 3 | 9 AM - 3 PM
College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center | 1 College St, Worcester, MA 01610
Cost: $100
Massachusetts APSE's 50/50 Conference will connect 50 talented career seekers with disabilities with 50 workforce development professionals. The event will feature challenging collaborative sessions, skill focused breakout sessions, and a buffet breakfast and lunch for all attendees.
There will also be career focused breakout sessions and a relaxation/workspace for parents and support team members who choose to attend.
50/50 for Employment First Conference
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