About the Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), working in close collaboration with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Services, is committed to promoting equality, to ensuring that the ADA’s vital protections for individuals with disabilities are preserved, and to advancing the basic freedoms that all Somerville residents deserve.
The SCPD accomplishes its mission, first and foremost, by maintaining an environment in the City of Somerville that is free of discrimination and harassment based on disability, by ensuring that all persons living, working, and visiting the city have full and equal access to all programs and services within the city as required by the ADA, and by working to promote and celebrate an inclusive and accessible community.
SCPD members work with City staff to assure that all residents are provided with current and accurate information, resources, and opportunities to enrich their lives. It works to increase civic and community engagement and participation. It works with city staff to see that structural, policy, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers to equal participation and opportunities are continually evaluated and removed. Mutually beneficial collaborations and activities with City administration and departments are developed and maintained through dialogue and resource-building to allow Somerville residents with disabilities an opportunity to contribute on equal terms.
SCPD’s overarching goals and fundamental commitment are to continue to fight the injustices and unequal treatment that are still present everywhere, and to work diligently to ensure that the barriers to equal opportunity and equal access that remain are addressed. Individuals with disabilities have much to contribute to the City, and they deserve a fair and equal chance to do so and to forge their own path forward.
Contact Information
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
United States
Employee Directory
Jump To:
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Commission for Persons With Disabilities (SCPD) are announcing a series of events throughout July to recognize and celebrate Disability Pride Month. This month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities designed to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities, and foster an inclusive community spirit.
All residents are invited to participate and join in celebrating the diverse abilities and achievements of our community members.
Schedule of Events:
Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Monthly Public Meeting
- Date/Time: Tuesday, July 9, 7 – 9 p.m.
- Location: Tufts Administration Building Conference Room (2nd floor, Room 203M), 167 Holland St. For more information about the monthly meetings, visit the SCPD website.
- About: Join the monthly public SCPD meeting where accessible recreation and parking will be discussed. The commission welcomes you to join our meeting – we value input from Somerville residents.
"How to Train Your Dragon" Screening
- Date/Time: Wednesday, July 10, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: West Library Branch (40 College Ave)
- About: Enjoy a screening of "How to Train Your Dragon" with treats and prizes.
- Space is limited and registration is required in advance. RSVP here.
Disability Pride Flag Raising
- Date/Time: Thursday, July 11, 5 – 6 p.m.
- Location: City Hall Plaza (93 Highland Ave)
- About: Join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Mayor Ballantyne to raise the Disability Pride flag above Somerville’s City Hall. Light refreshments will be served following the flag raising.
SCPD ArtBeat Booth
- Date/Time: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Location: ArtBeat, Davis Square
- About: Visit the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities’ booth at ArtBeat to participate in a multi-sensory community art project, share a pride story, and decode secrets and get a custom cup with your name in Braille.
Stop by for free books, prizes, and your very own Disability Pride tote bag!
"CODA" Screening and Discussion
- Date/Time: Wednesday, July 24, 1 p.m.
- Location: Somerville Council on Aging (167 Holland St.)
- About: Attend a Council on Aging screening of the film "CODA," followed by a discussion with members of the Disability Commission.
- RSVP by calling Debby at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or emailing at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.
Disability Pride Family Day
- Date/Time: Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Location: West Library Children’s Room (3rd Floor)
- About: Join us for live readings of stories that celebrate disability read by members from the Disability Commission, bracelet-making, and painting messages on river rocks.
- Attendees will receive treats, prizes, books, and a tote bag. Activities are inclusive for all ages and abilities.
- RSVP here
- Book readings for grades K-3 will take place at 10 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., and 11 a.m.
- Book readings for grades 4-6 will occur at 11:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.
Evening Book Reading by Local Authors with Disabilities
- Date/Time: Monday, July 29, 7 - 9 p.m.
- Location: West Branch Library
- About: Join an evening of readings by local authors with disabilities. For more details on the events and to register
- RSVP here.
- Holly Simione, Chairperson and Commissioner
- Harriotte Ranvig, Vice-Chairperson and Commissioner
- Brian Postlewaite, Mayoral Appointee and Commissioner
- Sheila Tracy, Treasurer and Commissioner
Commissioners
- Nick Altschuller
- Laurie Brandt
- Murshid Buwembo
- Helen Corrigan
- Pauline Downing
- Deborah Haber
- Ingrid Schneider
- M. Michael Shaps
Associate Commissioners
- Giny Alverson
- Frank Lee
Americans with Disabilities Act Public Notice
Americans with Disabilities Act Public Notice (View as PDF)
The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services or activities. The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Questions, complaints or requests for additional information may be sent to:
 |
Adrienne Pomeroy apomeroy@somervillema.gov 93 Highland Ave. Somerville, MA 02143 ada@somervillema.gov Phone: (617) 625-6600 x2059 TTY: (866) 808-4851 |
Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville, are invited to make their needs known to the ADA Coordinator.
This notice is available in alternative formats, including audiotape, computer disk, and Braille, from the ADA Coordinator.
More Information
City Evaluation & Other Studies
General Resources
MA State Resources for Persons with Disabilities
- State Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3 to 5
- MA DOE Special Education Planning & Policy Development Office
- MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
- MA Architectural Access Resources
National Resources for Persons with Disabilities
- Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
- National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research
- National Organization on Disability
- ADA Document Portal
Feedback
Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:
Thank you for your feedback!