Town of Wakefield's Accessibility Program

People with disabilities should be assured that they can use common public places, such as stores, banks, offices, and restaurants, or participate in ordinary activities, such as working, getting an education, visiting friends, and attending community events.

Accessibility means much more than ramps for wheelchair access.  People with all types of physical, sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities must be ensured equal access to facilities, services, and programs.  People with disabilities must not be discriminated against through structural barriers, unequal policies and practices, or inaccessible means of communication and dissemination of information. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in nearly all segments of society. Title I covers employment; Title II covers state and local government services, including public transportation; Title III covers public accommodations, commercial facilities, and specified private transportation.  See our helpful quick links on this page for more detailed information.

ADA Policy Statement & Non-Discrimination Policy

The Town of Wakefield does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, as defined by law, or on the basis of age, as defined by law, disability, gender, identity or expression, as defined by law, genetic information, veteran's status, military service or application for military service, or pregnancy (collectively, "Protected Classes") in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.

The Town of Wakefield is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, as defined by law, or on the basis of age, as defined by law, disability, gender identity or expression as defined by law, genetic information, veteran's status, military service or application for military service, or pregnancy (collectively, "Protected Classes").

Accordingly, the Town of Wakefield will:

• Take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others.
• Make reasonable accommodations in policies, practices, or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless a fundamental alteration in a local government program would result.
• Operate its programs so that, when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

The Town of Wakefield will not:

• Refuse to allow a person with a disability to participate in a local government service, program, or activity simply because the person has a disability.
• Require that participation in programs or services and benefits to individuals with disabilities be separate or different from those who are not disabled.
• Subject individuals with disabilities to discrimination in employment under any local government service, program, or activity.

Wakefield Commission on Disabilities

The Town of Wakefield voted to establish the Wakefield Commission on Disabilities at Town Meeting on May 15, 1989.  The overall mission of the Commission on Disabilities is to address the needs and concerns of our disabled residents and promote their full participation in the activities and services of Wakefield.

Transition Plan

As part of Title II, state and local government agencies are required to perform a self-evaluation of their facilities and develop a plan to become compliant.  This “Transition Plan” must include the following:

• Identification of physical barriers that limit the accessibility of facilities to individuals with disabilities,
• Description of the methods to be used to make the facilities accessible,
• Development of a schedule for making the access modifications, and
• Identification of the public officials responsible for implementation of the Transition Plan.

The Town of Wakefield’s Transition Plan is a living document and in working with the Wakefield Commission on Disabilities, other boards, town departments, and the public, we will regularly update our Transition Plan with a best effort at making the Town of Wakefield as compliant as it can be.

Process and Procedures

There are numerous laws, rules, regulations, and Acts that we are required to adhere to in our efforts to make our surroundings a better place.  A number of technical requirements listed by federal, state, and local agencies contradict each other and it can be confusing. Requirements for features such as entrances, stairs, ramps, and handrails may be different, but in these cases, the Town of Wakefield will follow the more stringent specification and abide by the one providing greater access.

The Town of Wakefield dedicates this site to simplifying the information, educating the public, and offering a location where anyone can visit to learn about their rights and be provided a path of action when in need of assistance. As part of creating the Transition Plan, the Town established a grievance procedure for individuals who feels they have been discriminated against in the Town of Wakefield.  As a first step to resolving any issue, we encourage individuals to take advantage of this procedure.  Please read the instructions of the grievance procedure and submit the completed form as instructed.  Our town officials will make all reasonable efforts and/or accommodations to resolve your issue.