CITY SEEKS TO FILL DISABILITY COORDINATOR POSITION BY END OF 2012

SOMERVILLE

- Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the City of Somerville is

currently seeking candidates to fill the position of Disability Coordinator

within the Executive Office.  The

Coordinator is responsible, in conjunction with the Disability Commission, for

advising the City on policies and procedures relating to disabilities and

access issues, while providing technical assistance to the City regarding compliance

with state and federal disabilities laws, including the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA).  As the City

works to upgrade and implement a 10-year Transition Plan which will advise City

staff on necessary alternations and improvements to municipal buildings in

order to continue to adhere to ADA regulations, the Coordinator will also work

with the City Engineer to refine the plan and manage community outreach on

disabilities policy. Candidates are being sought for a proposed January 2013

start.

"We

remain committed to ensuring that Somerville is a great - and safe - place to

live, work, play and raise a family for all

residents, and that includes our continued commitment to ADA issues, from

compliance within municipal facilities to pedestrian safety standards -  and to everything in between," said Mayor

Curtatone.  "This ADA Coordinator will

help to implement and upgrade several important programs and policies,

including an Evaluation and Transition Plan for City programs and services, and

renewed recruitment for the City's Disabilities Commission as part of a larger

recruitment process for all boards and commissions.  We anticipate filling the position by the

beginning of the new year, which will help lay the groundwork for initial

action steps in Spring 2013."