August 2017 Commission on Disabilities Notes
August 9, 2017
On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, the Commission on Disabilities held its monthly meeting. Notes and updates:
-After months of work, The Commission on Disabilities is ready to begin hosting in-person appointments. Starting on September 8, the Commission will work out of the American Legion Building/Veterans’ Affairs office on Fridays from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM. At this time, residents will be able to call or visit the Commission to discuss any ongoing issues. Co-Chair Ralph DeCicco will also be taking appointments in the Legion building at other times during the week by appointment only. Residents can also seek assistance from the Commission at any time by emailing disabilities@revere.org or calling 781-286-8267.
-With school approaching, Mayor Arrigo and the City are working on pedestrian upgrades around the Paul Revere School and Garfield School that will improve accessibility for pedestrians of all abilities. An ADA-compliant crosswalk and curb cut are being installed at the corner of Revere St. and Roosevelt St. near the Paul Revere School.
Additionally, a state-funded project will be taking place to upgrade infrastructure near the Garfield School, pending final approval by the City Council. The project includes the reconstruction of the concrete sidewalk with vertical granite curb along the west side of Waverly Avenue from Centennial Avenue to the intersection of North Shore Road and Dana Street, reconstruction of concrete sidewalk with vertical granite curb along the south side of Dix Street and the reconstruction of concrete sidewalk with vertical granite curb along the east side of Garfield Avenue from Dix Street to the school driveway. High-visibility crosswalks will be constructed and existing signage will be upgraded where applicable. New crosswalk and stop line pavement markings will be applied where faded.
ADA-compliant accessible ramps will be constructed for all perpendicular pedestrian crossings and a traffic signal with countdown pedestrian indicators will be installed at the intersection of Waverly Avenue, North Shore Road, and Dana Street.
-Revere Special Olympics is excited to announce that in addition to bringing back the Young Athletes program for fall of 2017, they will also be offering a fall soccer program for kids 15 and under. More details will be announced soon; email Commission member Enza Goodwin at etumb@comcast.net for more information.
-A Revere resident has offered to donate an outdoor electric chair lift to a resident in need. The chairlift is in great working condition and is s till installed so that it can be demonstrated. If you would like any further information or are interested, please contact the Disabilities office at disabilities@revere.org or 781-286-8267.
-Co-Chair David Hahesy has worked in collaboration with DCR to provide two additional handicap accessibility mats at the Beach this summer. Conversations have already begun about how to make the beach more accessible in 2018.
-The Revere Public Schools, Revere Recreation, and Sepac collaborated this summer to give children with special needs in the extended school year program fun and enriching summer activities. Events included outdoor games, a science show, and a dance party with a DJ. The Commission extends its thanks to Dr. Vadala of the Revere Public Schools for spearheading these efforts.
-Row Row Row in Revere takes place on Saturday, August 19, with the funds raised benefitting families with autistic children. Learn more about the event and the organization at rowrowrowinrevere.com.
-The next meeting of the Commission on Disabilities will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 6:00 PM in the Revere City Council chambers.