2.10.2021 Commission on Disability

The Fall River Commission on Disability met remotely on February 10, 2021, chaired by Dennis Polselli. Following roll call and public input, the commission approved the meeting minutes from January 13, 2021. The main feature of the meeting was a detailed presentation by Philip Vale, Executive Director of the SHARE Foundation, alongside staff member Beverly Thorn. They shared the foundation's history of developing assistive technology since 1981, founded by the late Lester Cory, and highlighted case studies of disabled clients who regained communication and entertainment capabilities through custom scanning and computer systems.

Following the presentation, Commissioner Daniel Robillard motioned to allocate $15,000 to the SHARE Foundation in memory of Lester Cory, specifically dedicated to assisting Fall River residents with disabilities, which passed unanimously. The commission also discussed restructuring future meeting agendas to remove the standing "Finance" item in favor of handling proposals dynamically, provided financial updates are distributed regularly and reported quarterly.

Under committee and outreach reports, Commissioner Lisa Silva announced that Disability Awareness Day 2021 was canceled due to COVID-19 and rescheduled for September 24, 2022. The commission then reviewed an educational scholarship proposal authored by Commissioners Robillard and Silva, voting unanimously to allocate $32,000 for high school seniors with disabilities graduating from B.M.C. Durfee High School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Bishop Connolly High School who are attending college. The meeting concluded after brief announcements regarding an upcoming state webinar and the scheduled renewal of the disability parking enforcement program.

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