The Manchester Commission for People with Disabilities (MCPD) acts as an advisory committee to the Town for residents who have disabilities, their families, and neighbors. The committee consists of nine volunteer members appointed by the Manchester Board of Directors. The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month between September and June, 7:00pm, Manchester Senior Center, East Middle Turnpike.
Mission
The MCPD identifies and analyzes needs of people with disabilities, encourages applications for grants, coordinates local agency programs which serve people with disabilities, fosters understanding and respect, encourages participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, and assures equal access to resources and programs.
The Commission urges property owners to maintain their bushes, shrubs, and small trees, which may grow out over walkways. When these are overgrown, a hazard may be imposed for people with disabilities who use the walkways. Sidewalks especially need to be swept clean of sand and cleared of rocks, limbs, debris; low hanging branches and bushes need to be cut back. Trash and recycle boxes should be placed so as not to impede pedestrian travel and uneven sidewalks need to be repaired. With the efforts of all Manchester residents, safe travel can be ensured for all who are visually impaired, travel by wheelchair or foot.
The Commission applauds the Town’s efforts in implementing audible sounding devices at many public intersections, since this is so important to the visually impaired. The Commission encourages audible traffic signals at all public intersections where traffic lights and sidewalks converge. The Commission also notes that some ramps, which jut out at a 45-degree angle, may be difficult to navigate for people with little or no sight and who do not have a seeing-eye dog. Extra care should be taken at these ramps.
The Manchester Commission for People with Disabilities has been a consistent voice on behalf of people with disabilities in the Manchester community in many different ways. Visitors are always welcome to attend meetings: listen and share their concerns; speakers are scheduled for many of our meetings; newspaper articles have been written about our activities and also for the purpose of advocacy and public awareness; supportive letters and phone calls are also an important area of our advocacy for our citizens with disabilities. We have a dedicated, proactive group of members whose loyalty is evidenced by excellent attendance.
