Municipal ADA program accepting grant applications

Municipalities pursuing projects to increase access for people with disabilities can apply for funding through a state grant program.

Offered by the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act Grant program supports capital improvements that promote access for people with disabilities. The program recognizes that architectural and programmatic barriers to facilities and services remain in many municipal buildings in the state.

Applications for fiscal 2025 are due June 14.

The program will award grants on a competitive basis for projects that demonstrate real and tangible positive impacts to persons with disabilities. Examples include new features such as ramps, elevators, power lifts and Limited Use/Limited Application signage; communication access devices; curb cuts or other features designed to improve architectural or programmatic access.

The program offers two kinds of grants: planning grants for updating or creating a self-evaluation and/or transition plan as required under the administrative requirements of Title II of the ADA, and project grants for removing architectural or communication barriers at municipal facilities and properties.

For fiscal 2024, the program awarded 62 grants totalling more than $3.9 million. The awards ranged from $3,000 project grants to Blandford and Georgetown, to a $250,000 planning grant for Foxborough and $250,000 project grants for Blackstone, New Bedford and Sudbury. Some communities received more than one grant.

Evan George, ADA grant compliance coordinator, can be contacted at Evan.George@mass.gov with any questions.