Ask: Linda Pratt Asks Lyn Horan
Even as the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that municipalities and private businesses, faith-based institutions and organizations that no barriers keep people with disabilities out, the fact is that across cities, sidewalks are not cut so that people with wheelchairs -- and baby strollers -- can navigate from their vehicle or to an entrance, and Holyoke is not an exception.\n\nIn this episode, Ask producer Linda Pratt asks Lyn Horan about what the city's Commission on Disabilities does.\n\nThere are many examples of how people with disabilities keep people from carrying out their activities.\n\nHolyoke has a mayoral-appointed Commission on Disabilities that advises the city on how to make the city accessible,\n\nLinda Pratt interviews Lyn Horan, vice chair of the Commission on Disabilities.\nFor more information, visit the commission's website here: https://www.holyoke.org/departments/c... and the ADA government website here:https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/\n\nMembers of the Commission of Disabilities are Mayoral appointed with City Council confirmation. They have the following responsibilities:\n\nResearch local problems affecting people with disabilities;\nAdvice and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities;\nCoordinate and/or implement programs designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities in compliance with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability;\nReview and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities, and facilities of departments, boards, and agencies of Holyoke as they affect people with disabilities;\nProvide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability; and\nCoordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.\nThis is a wonderful opportunity for residents to serve our community. If you are interested in applying to sit on this Commission, please submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Mayor\u2019s Office or by e-mail at mayorsoffice@holyoke.org