As the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) approaches, Boston is taking significant steps to celebrate this landmark legislation by launching a new program designed for local businesses.
The Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities is introducing a training and certification initiative aimed at helping businesses learn simple ways to better accommodate and welcome disabled individuals.
Named the Disability Inclusion Trained Business Certification, this program is open to all businesses in the city.
The timing of the launch is intentional; the inaugural 75-minute webinar is set for July 29, just days after the ADA’s anniversary.
The program’s initial focus is particularly directed at restaurants, coinciding with Dine Out Boston, a two-week event in August where eateries across the city offer special prix-fixe menus.
Kylia “Ky” Kennedy, the commission’s accessibility and inclusion training specialist, remarked that the initiative aims to educate restaurants on accessibility, encouraging them to be more inclusive for patrons and serve as examples for other establishments.
“We know that there are barriers that exist, and we know that it’s not purposeful,” Kennedy said, emphasizing the desire of many restaurants to welcome more guests but pointing out their lack of awareness regarding accessibility issues.
The training will address not only government regulations but also additional, low- or no-cost strategies that storefronts can implement to enhance their accessibility.
As Kennedy noted, the ultimate goal is for businesses to improve their services for individuals with disabilities while potentially increasing their customer base.
For example, a café with a slightly raised doorway could install a threshold ramp, facilitating easier access for wheelchair users.
Alternatively, a thrift store blasting music could designate sensory-friendly hours for neurodivergent customers.
A dentist’s office could also enhance its website by including alternative text for images, making their online presence more accessible for visually impaired individuals who rely on screen readers.
Kristen McCosh, Boston’s disability commissioner, clarified the commission’s role by stating, “We like to say that we’re not the ADA police… We’re here to help bridge the gap.”
She highlighted how even minor oversights can greatly impact customer satisfaction and business success.
Reflecting on her own experiences, McCosh recounted a visit to a restaurant where the only accessible seating was in a back room, detached from the vibrant atmosphere of the main dining area.
This kind of lack of awareness among business owners can lead to lost opportunities and frustrated patrons.
Following the training webinar, participants will complete an exit assessment.
Those who successfully pass the assessment will be awarded a sky-blue certification sign to display at their storefronts, indicating their commitment to inclusive practices.
The program was developed earlier this year, drawing inspiration from the city’s Age Strong Commission, which offers its own certification for businesses that enhance accessibility for older adults or individuals suffering from dementia.
The commission plans to hold these training webinars biannually, timed to coincide with Dine Out Boston events, but businesses can also request private training sessions throughout the year to achieve certification.
As of now, a number of businesses have already signed up for the inaugural training session.
Kennedy expressed hope that “every business in the city of Boston takes this training,” with the aim of making meaningful strides in serving the over 78,000 disabled individuals residing in the city.
Dana Gerber can be reached at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter @danagerber6.
image source from：bostonglobe
