The Wrentham Commission on Disability is reestablishing its presence in town and working to raise awareness of accessibility issues while inviting residents to get involved.

Commission Chair Mary Dobek and Vice-Chair Rebecca Zitomer say the group’s mission is to promote accessibility and inclusion for residents with disabilities while advising town officials on ways to improve access and services. 

Wrentham had a Commission on Disability years ago, but it became inactive when members moved away or passed on. The commission has now been revived at the request of Town Manager Michael King, who reached out to Dobek, a member on the original Commission, to help restart it. 

The current commission includes Dobek, Zitomer, and Jane O’Friel, but can include up to nine members.

The commission primarily serves in an advisory capacity to the town, helping identify accessibility issues and recommending improvements.

According to Dobek, a recent accessibility audit conducted by Wrentham resident Julie Garland as part of a graduate-level independent project has become an important reference for the town. Garland’s employer, KMA, LLC, was subsequently hired by the town through a grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct audits of buildings and public spaces and to develop a transition plan for the town. The commission now uses that report as a benchmark to help guide improvements.

The group also collaborates with other town departments and boards, meeting monthly to discuss accessibility issues and explore ways to work together.

Residents who notice accessibility issues can contact the commission through the town website. Members can then review concerns and determine how best to address them.

Examples might include improving crosswalk accessibility, evaluating intersections, or recommending changes to town facilities. While some older buildings in Wrentham’s downtown may predate modern accessibility standards, federal and state laws generally require barriers to be removed when it is feasible to do so, and accessibility upgrades are typically required when buildings undergo renovations. 

Commission members say accessibility will become increasingly important as Wrentham’s population ages. Wrentham currently has five nursing facilities along with several 55-plus housing developments, making transportation and mobility key concerns.

Transportation in particular can be challenging in a rural town like Wrentham, noted Zitomer, who is legally blind. Services such as ride programs can help, but they often have limited hours or geographic restrictions.

According to the ADA National Network, close to 30% of Americans over age 65 and 50% over 75 develop age-related disabilities such as mobility, vision, or hearing loss, impairments that can limit major life activities. Accessibility improvements can remove barriers that affect mobility, sensory, cognitive, and temporary disabilities—not just age-related limitations, note the commission’s members.

Both Dobek and Zitomer bring personal experience to their work on the commission. Dobek has a son with cerebral palsy and has also worked in early intervention. Zitomer became legally blind in 2014 and has been involved with disability advocacy and training programs through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

The commission is currently seeking additional members as it works to expand its efforts in town. Residents with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply, as state guidelines require that a majority of commission members have a disability. 

However, Zitomer emphasized that anyone interested in helping is welcome to attend meetings or volunteer.

“We never want to turn away anybody that wants to help,” she said. 

The commission meets monthly at Wrentham Town Hall, currently on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., though the schedule may change depending on member availability.

Residents interested in learning more or getting involved can find contact information for the commission on the Town of Wrentham website.