MARBLEHEAD — The town is seeking responses to a community survey that will be used in the development of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan, which aims to “ensure residents and visitors have access to all Town buildings, programs, and services.”
The survey, a link to which can be found on the town’s website, is an effort to garner resident feedback during the planning process, town officials wrote.
“This survey is intended to gather preliminary data to assist the planning team in identifying any barriers
to access for individuals with disabilities at Town buildings or within the programs and services it currently
offers,” the survey reads. “Once the initial study is completed, the Town will solicit additional input on how to best address any deficiencies that are found.
The town engaged the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management, which is based out of the University of Massachusetts, Boston, to aid in the development of the plan. The center, according to its website, “is dedicated to improving efficiency, effectiveness, governance, and accountability at all levels of government, with a particular focus on state and local government.”
The survey asks respondents if they or an individual they care for has ever had an issue accessing a town building due to a disability or physical limitation, then asks respondents to identify specific town buildings they’ve had difficulty entering, including the police station, the central fire station and Abbot Hall, among others. Respondents are asked the same two questions about town programs, and outdoor spaces, including beaches and parks.
Respondents are then asked to describe the ease of use for pedestrian facilities around town — including sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps —whether they are easily accessible, usable but some with minor difficulty, if most are usable but some are too difficult, if some are usable but many are too difficult, or if most are inaccessible/too difficult to use.
The survey then asks about the process of requesting accommodations in town and the accessibility of town communications.
“We sincerely appreciate your time and effort in helping to ensure Marblehead remains a great place to live for all of our residents,” officials wrote.
