At its regular Zoom meeting Monday night, New Haven’s Commission on Disabilities presented a slate of accessibility initiatives slated for 2027. Commissioners emphasized the need for better polling‑place access, winter‑time outreach, and free public‑access media for residents with disabilities.

Polling‑place accessibility

Commissioner Allie Futty, who recently met with East Rock alderwoman Anna Festa, said the commission will push for an ADA‑compliant workshop with the aldermanic committees before city plans advance. “I feel Festa is supportive of the commission’s concerns,” Futty noted.

Gretchen Knauff, director of disability services, echoed the call, adding that an ADA workshop should be part of the city’s upcoming agenda.

Winter‑season isolation solutions

Donna Golden, a regular attendee and organizer of the recent Disability Resource Fair, urged the commission to address the growing isolation of disabled residents during colder months. Knauff agreed the idea merits testing, recalling past pandemic‑era programs such as cooking classes, coffee chats, chair yoga, and meditation that saw low attendance.

“It’s worth trying, but important first to get up the interest,” Knauff said, emphasizing the need for community engagement before launching new services.

Free public‑access television

Commissioner Bobby Berriault raised concerns that New Haven’s public‑access channel is only available to cable subscribers, leaving many low‑income residents without access. He suggested exploring legal changes to stream the channel for free on platforms like YouTube.

Knauff explained that the current funding model ties community‑access TV to a cable line item, a structure written before modern internet streaming. She said the commission will consider whether a legislative amendment or a funding restructure is required.

East Rock summit accessibility

Knauff announced a proposal from Parks Department head Max Webster to improve access to the summit of East Rock for disabled visitors. “They are getting closer, but the only thing that would make it accessible is opening the road,” she said.

The commission plans to place the East Rock summit issue on the agenda for its December meeting, alongside the other accessibility projects.

Next steps

The commission will continue to work with city officials, state representatives, and community partners to advance these proposals, aiming to create a more inclusive New Haven for all residents.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.