Commissions On Disability Alliance (CODA)
Many towns and cities in Massachusetts have a Commission On Disability (COD). CODs promote the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in the community’s activities, services and employment opportunities.
The alliance is a group of COD members from across the state that meet monthly to share advice, mentorship, commiseration, and coordination. Many towns and cities face similar issues over time, so a primary goal of this group is to make sure no one has to “reinvent the wheel” figuring out solutions to problems others have already solved.
Answering Common Questions About CODs
What are the Commissions?
Advise and assist municipal officials in making sure they follow federal and state disability laws
Review policies and activities of municipal departments and boards as they affect persons with disabilities
Give information, recommendations, advocacy and technical assistance to people, businesses and organizations in all disability issues
Coordinate with other local groups organized to meet the needs of persons with disabilities
You can find more information at mass.gov/commissions-on-disability
How are CODs formed?
CODs are formed by vote in Town Meetings or by a City Council. They have the same status as other boards or commissions in the city or town. Learn more about the history of CODA on our blog.
Who attends CODA calls?
CODA attendees are a diverse group: Some have been on their COD for decades while others are new; some are well-established and some CODs are still in progress on bylaws; some come from big cities and some from small towns. Most members are volunteers on their commissions, but some city and town employees also attend—especially ADA Coordinators.
How do I join CODA?
If you are a member of a Commission on Disability and would like to join our monthly calls, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
COD Resources & Guides
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Parking Fund Process for Local Disability Commissions
Mass. state law section 22G gives CODs access to the money collected from fines when individuals park illegally in accessible parking. These funds can then be used by CODs. This guide provides a background and sample timeline CODs can use to help their town adopt 22G.
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New Member Orientation to Massachusetts Commissions on Disability
These slides, originally assembled by the Brookline Commission on Disability, contain the background information every new member of a COD might want. It outlines the laws, history, and responsibilities around COD work.
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Advocacy Guide Topics
The Advocacy Guide is an outline for CODs and their members discussing HOW and WHERE commissions can advocate, WHY they should, and WHAT they might want to focus on.
Request to Join CODA Meetings
Are you a COD member looking to join in on our monthly CODA Zoom calls? We’d love to have you on board. Use the form below to let us know. One of our community organizers will reach out with details.
The Latest on CODA
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