Disability Commission Fund Request Application

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INTRODUCTION

Under Chapter 54-4 of the Charter and City Code, the purpose of the Framingham Disability Commission (FDC) is to:

  1. Research local problems of people with disabilities.
  2. Advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities.
  3. Coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD).
  4. Review and make recommendations about the policies, procedures, services, activities, and facilities of the city's departments, boards, and agencies as they affect people with disabilities.
  5. Provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses, and organizations on all matters pertaining to disability.
  6. Coordinate the activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Disability Commission also recommends to the City Council for voting on the appropriation of funds set aside from handicap parking violation fines under MGL c. 40, §22G. These funds are used solely for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

Funds may be used for public purposes solely to benefit persons with disabilities. Examples of acceptable fund use include:

  • Pedestrian-friendly enhancements benefiting persons with disabilities
  • Specialized disability trainings, workshops, or conferences
  • Transportation programs benefitting persons with disabilities
  • HP signs for municipal parking lots
  • Adaptive equipment for the Framingham Library's "Library of Things"
  • Structural changes and equipment for city buildings that benefit persons with disabilities
  • Costs for programs, training, and other camps benefiting persons with disabilities (monies are not given to individuals)
  • Enhanced property modifications, such as an automatic door opener for city-owned buildings frequented by individuals with disabilities
  • Improvements to playground areas in city parks and schools, such as additional Braille signage, accessible surfaces, and additional accessible equipment, would provide better universal access for all.
  • Public safety enhancements benefiting persons with disabilities

Please note: Funds may not be used for private or religious purposes, nor to support private businesses, non-profit organizations, or individuals

  • Communication modalities such as augmentative and alternative communication devices, or other items or services to provide accessible communication
  • Informational and educational outreach, such as purchasing descriptive videos, Braille books, and related tools for the Framingham Public Library. Sensitivity Workshops and opportunities to enhance and promote better understanding through cross-disability-related publications (Examples include Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Sight and hearing difficulties, Congenital disorders, etc.).

Grant proposals may be presented and submitted for consideration by applying online or by printing out the online form, filling it out and emailing it to discomchair@framinghamma.gov.

Completed grant proposals may be submitted at any time of the year, vetted through the Commission. If Commission gives the approval it needs to be submitted to the City Council for consent approval. 

The process from grant submission to funding being awarded is generally 90-150 days.