Arlington Disability Commission

10/08/2025

Our friends at the Watertown Commission on Disability are co-hosting a special two-night look at the past and present fight for disability rights on October 20 & October 21:

This month, the Watertown Commission on Disability, WFPL, and World in Watertown are hosting a special two-night look at the past and present fight for disability rights:

Documentary Screening: "Crip Camp" [R]
Mon. October 20 | 6:30 PM | at WFPL | Film shown with audio description and open captioning.
Synopsis: A summer camp for teens with disabilities inspires a group of alumni to join the disability rights movement to advocate for historic legislation changes. (This film is also on Netflix.)

Democracy Talks: Advocates Respond to Disability Rights Under Attack
Tue. October 21 | 6:30 PM | at WFPL | ASL & CART Provided
Learn about the current status of disability rights on the federal, state, and local levels from a panel of experts, including MA disability rights leader Charlie Carr, Perkins Library Executive Director and Global Accessibility Advocate Kim Charlson, intersectional disability activist Finn Gardiner, Jennifer Lee-Rambharose from the Brandeis Heller Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, and Jenna Bancroft, Watertown's first Human Services Director. After the panelists speak, there will be opportunity for audience Q&A.

Registration is not required. For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/5G3050X7nHX

World In Watertown, Perkins Library, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University City of Watertown, MA - Government

09/23/2025

We are excited to welcome Andrew Leland, author of "The Country of the Blind," on October 16 at 7pm at the Robbins Library!
Leland will speak about losing his sight due to RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) and his adjustment in his home community and other spaces. Followed by a Q & A and book signing. “The Country of the Blind” was a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir. The book will be available for purchase at the event or can be borrowed through the Robbins Library. Sponsored by the Disability Commission and the Friends of the Robbins Library.

07/29/2025

Join us for Arlington's ADA35 celebration on August 7!

Thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability, Arlington is launching an adaptive tricycle rental program for teens and adults. These recumbent trikes will be available through the Recreation Department at the Ed Burns Arena parking lot for use along the Minuteman Bikeway.

Join us for this community celebration and a tour of the trike shed. Light refreshments will be served. Learn more here: https://www.arlingtonma.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/37225/

05/22/2025

From our friends at Arlington, MA Lgbtqia+ Rainbow Commission

05/20/2025

Join us for our monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 5:30pm.

 1. Attend in person at the Community Center 20 Academy Street/27 Maple Street. Registration not required for in-person attendance.

04/14/2025

Join the Arlington Disability Commission for a free community screening of the documentary "In a Different Key" on Sunday, April 27th from 12-3pm, at the Regent Theatre.

The story follows a mother who tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money and privilege – but leads to hope that more of us are learning to have the backs of those who are "different."
Snacks and refreshments provided, followed by a Q&A session with audience participation. All are welcome. RSVP via this form: http://bit.ly/4jd994S

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6arXcC_g_8&ab_channel=ReelAbilitiesInternational

In a Different KeyDir. Caren Zucker, John DonvanUS | 2020 | 102 minA mother tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism in rural Mississippi to l...

04/14/2025

Join us for our monthly Disability Commission meeting on Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30pm!

Our meetings are hybrid. You can join in person at the Community Center/Senior Center at 27 Maple St, 2nd floor, or on Zoom:

 1. Attend in person at the Community Center 20 Academy Street/27 Maple Street. Registration not required for in-person attendance.

04/11/2025

The Arlington Disability Commission is pleased to present a free screening of the film In A Different Key: The Movie for Autism Awareness Month, on Sunday, April 27 at 12pm at the Regent Theater in Arlington. The film will be followed by a Q & A.

Questions? Email tross@town.arlington.ma.us

03/26/2025

Arlington is updating its Comprehensive Plan (formerly called Master Plan), which includes issues like housing, transportation, parks and open space, economic development, and zoning. All of these topics directly affect people with disabilities. Please attend the kick-off to voice your support for a decision-making process that is inclusive of adults and children with disabilities! Thursday, April 3rd from 7-8:30pm at Arlington High School.

AmpUp! Comp Plan Update Kick-Off meeting April 3, 7-8:30PM at AHS Cafeteria. This is the event you’ve been waiting for. All are encouraged to attend to let us know how Arlington can be an even better place to live, work, and play! Learn more https://loom.ly/9ixFaVI

03/25/2025

Please join our friends at the Arlington, MA Lgbtqia+ Rainbow Commission for the Transgender Day of Visibility observance ob Sunday, March 30 at 2pm

March newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/1ad394550136/sage2019-12846777

03/21/2025

Friends: the Commission has a slightly earlier time slot from now on: 5:30pm - 7pm. The meetings are still on the third Wednesday of the month, and will continue to be hybrid.

03/18/2025

The Town of Arlington is looking for more people to serve on the Disability Commission. If you're interested, come to a monthly meeting to learn about what the Commission is working on! Our next meeting is on Wednesday, March 19 at 6pm

The Arlington Disability Commission works to raise awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and works for full inclusion in all aspects of community life in Arlington.