Commission on Disability 10-21-2026

Meeting summary The Fall River Commission on Disability met on October 21, 2026, and approved the previous meeting minutes from September 9, 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was reconsidering a funding request from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for an evacuation chair (Stryker chair). The item had been tabled at the previous meeting pending a legal opinion from Corporation Counsel regarding whether commission funds could be allocated to regional entities where not all students reside in Fall River. The legal opinion confirmed the expenditure was permissible under state law and city ordinances. Superintendent Brian Bentley addressed the commission, explaining that Diman needed a fourth evacuation chair to ensure all stairwells and exits are covered during an emergency, noting that over 27 students required mobility assistance. In response to questions from Commissioner Dan Robillard, Bentley confirmed Diman's annual operating budget is approximately $35.6 million, with Fall River contributing roughly $4 million for operations and $1.7 million for transportation. Robillard stated that while he supported Diman, the purchase should come from the school's operating budget. The commission voted 3-1 to approve funding between $3,000 and $6,500 for the chair, with Robillard dissenting. In other business, the commission discussed an ADA improvement grant application for a sensory park to benefit individuals with autism, finalized the date for the 7th annual scholarship brunch on May 15, 2027, and reviewed website hosting security issues being addressed by Diman students and IT staff. Commissioners also shared updates regarding free SRTA bus service through June 2027 and ongoing efforts to relocate voting precincts out of Fall River Housing Authority complexes into fully accessible public locations. Topics discussed Adjourn the meeting. — passed Adjourn the meeting. Approval of Meeting Minutes Adoption of the minutes from the September 9, 2026 Commission on Disability meeting. Adopt the minutes of the September 9, 2026 meeting. — passed Adopt the minutes of the September 9, 2026 meeting. Take the Diman Regional evacuation chair funding request off the table. — passed Take the Diman Regional evacuation chair funding request off the table. Diman Regional Evacuation Chair Funding Request Discussion and vote on providing between $3,000 and $6,500 to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for a fourth emergency evacuation chair. Approve funding between $3,000 and $6,500 at the discretion of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for the purchase of an evacuation chair. — passed Approve funding between $3,000 and $6,500 at the discretion of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for the purchase of an evacuation chair. Sensory Park ADA Improvement Grant Update on an ADA improvement grant application to fund a sensory park for individuals with autism in collaboration with Mike Dion. Annual Scholarship Brunch Announcement that the 7th annual scholarship brunch is reserved for May 15, 2027, at McGovern's, with an application deadline of April 1, 2027. Website Hosting and Technical Updates Discussion of technical security issues with Bluehost hosting and collaboration with Diman students and instructors on website management. SRTA Bus Fares and Polling Place Accessibility Announcement that SRTA buses remain free through June 2027 and an update on relocating polling precincts from Housing Authority buildings to fully accessible sites. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting