About the Commission

The Commission on Disability works on projects to improve access for persons with disabilities, such as our financial support of accessible playground equipment at the elementary schools. The commission also:

  • Responds to requests for our opinion regarding variance requests submitted to the Building Department which are referred to us by the Architectural Access Board as part of the permitting process.
  • Conducts access site surveys on behalf of the Architectural Access Board and/or at the planning stage of new construction or a major renovation of a public building or a public property, such as the High School athletic fields.
  • Serves as a contact and advocate for Town residents who have a disability related question or complaint.
  • Provides information and referral services about disability issues to residents.
  • Operates the Handicapped Parking Patrol and managing the revenues derived from the fines generated from violating handicapped parking laws in Dedham.
  • Raises awareness of disability issues among Town Officials and residents.

Members

The Commission on Disability has up to nine members who are appointed by the Town Manager.  A majority of the members must have a disability, or have a family member with a disability.  One member must be a Town Official. Remaining members must share an interest in making Dedham more accessible. Current members include: 

NAME ROLE
Bernadette Chirokas Chair, Secretary
Kenneth Cimeno Treasurer
Building Commissioner
Vicky Berg Member
Ellen Conway Member
Mary Nikolaides Member
Robert Carr Member
Shari Laurent Member
Bridgett Burkhardt Member
Matthew Jameson Member
Heather Sutcliffe Member
Melissa Abber Member

Subcommittees and Liaisons

SUBCOMMITTEE/LIAISON NAME COMMITTEE MEMBER(S)
Scholarships Committee:

Vicki Berg (Chair)

Mary Nikolaides

Robert Carr
Summer Grant Committee:

Bridgett Burkhardt

Ellen Conway
Inclusivity Initiative Subcommittee:

Shari Laurent (Chair)

Heather Sutcliffe

Bridgett Burkardt

Matthew Jameson
Active Transportation Working Group:

Bernadette Chirokas (Chair)

Robert Carr

Vicki Berg
Board of Health Liaison:
 Bernadette Chirokas
Human Rights Commission Liaison:
 Vacant
Dedham Police Depart Liaison:
 Mary Nikolaides
DPW Liaison:

Ken Cimeno

Bernadette Chirokas

Contact

Town boards and committees are staffed by volunteers who may not be available during business hours. If you need a response during business hours, please contact the Building Department.

Meetings

The Commission on Disability meets once a month. Please check the calendar for meeting location. Transportation is available; please contact the Building Department.

Public meeting dates and times are posted at Town Hall and the Dedham Public Library at least 48 hours before each meeting in compliance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Meeting agendas will also be posted on this website.