Commission on Disability

The Melrose Commission on Disability is a 7-member volunteer board created under the authority of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 8j for the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in the City of Melrose. The responsibilities of the commission include:

  1. Researching local issues impacting people with disabilities.
  2. Advising and assisting city officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities. 
  3. Coordinating or carrying out programs designed to address issues regarding people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
  4. Reviewing and making recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the City of Melrose as they affect people with disabilities.
  5. Providing information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability.
  6. Assisting and coordinating activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.

 

The goal of the commission is to ensure that Melrose is fully inclusive of people with disabilities. Residents with disabilities should feel free to reach out to the commission at any time, regarding any issues that are impacting their ability to fully participate in activities, events, civic, and community life in Melrose.

The Commission meets on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Agendas and meeting materials are posted in the city meeting portal. All meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for residents to provide public comment. If you wish to attend a meeting, and need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please submit your request to the commission by emailing commissiondisability@cityofmelrose.org at least 3 weeks in advance.

Commission Members

NamePositionTerm

David Hoff

Chair

February 2026

Garin Boyd

Vice Chair

February 2026

Erin Heyneman

Secretary

February 2027

Alaine Breen

Member

February 2025

Margaret Sheets

Member

February 2023

Gary Hale

Member

February 2027