The purpose of the Commission on Disability is to research local problems of people with disabilities; advise and assist municipal officers and employees in assuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities; coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability; review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities, and facilities of departments, boards, and agencies of the Town as they affect people with disabilities; provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses, and organizations in matters pertaining to disability; and to coordinate activities of other local groups for similar purposes.
The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a Commission on Disability consisting of five members in staggered terms of three years. A majority of Commission members shall consist of people with disabilities, one member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability, and one member shall be either an elected or appointed official of the Town. The members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Commission on Disability, by reason of death, resignation, inability to act, or for any other reason, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Selectmen for the remainder of the term.
The Commission on Disability, within 30 days after the conclusion of the Annual Town Meeting, shall elect from its membership a Chairperson, and other officers, chosen by a majority vote of the members, who shall hold office until conclusion of the next Annual Town Meeting. In the event a vacancy occurs in any office, the Commission shall hold a special meeting for the purpose of selecting one of its members to fill the vacancy.
The Commission on Disability shall prepare and submit an annual report of its activities to the Town, which report shall be printed in the Annual Town Report. The Commission shall meet at least 10 times annually.
The Commission on Disability may receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen. Such gifts are to be managed and controlled by the Commission for purposes of this bylaw.