Accessibility Commission

Overview

This commission is designed to offer education, foster inclusion, and raise awareness about equitable access to resources in Danvers. Accessibility considers all forms of access, beyond physical and mental ability, from logistical access of ramps and parking spots to other forms of identity-based access, such as obstacles in transgender health care and linguistic barriers. This commission aspires to foster dignity and self-determination in its pursuit of access and accommodations.

The work of this commission includes:

  • Elevate the experiences of those with different abilities and access needs.
  • Advocate for continued implementation of ADA.
  • Advise on all issues related to access needs of the Danvers community.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Meetings

Every fourth Thursday of the month at 6pm in the Toomey Room of Town Hall, unless otherwise specified. Virtual options available.

Members (Terms)

  • Christi Showman Farrar ('26), Chair
  • J.D. Martz ('26), Vice Chair
  • Fawn Anderson ('25)
  • Mara Kaufman ('25)
  • Jody Mailer ('24)

Alternates (Terms)

  • Lauren Ferrari ('26)
  • Kathleen Lopes ('24)

Definitions

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services.

As defined by the ADA, disability is a legal term rather a medical one, referring to a “person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.”

Accessibility means creating opportunities for everyone regardless of social identity (age, gender, race, ability etc.) to acquire the same information, services, and resources.