News Summary
Boston has launched the Disability Inclusion Trained Business Certification program to help local businesses improve accessibility for disabled customers. Spearheaded by the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the program aims to educate businesses on identifying and addressing accessibility barriers. With the first webinar on July 29, participants will learn practical strategies to enhance inclusivity and receive certification upon successful completion. City officials encourage all businesses to participate, reflecting Boston’s commitment to promoting accessibility and inclusion for its residents and visitors.
Boston has launched a new training and certification program for local businesses as part of the celebration for the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The program, known as the Disability Inclusion Trained Business Certification, is spearheaded by the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities and is intended to educate businesses on improving accessibility for disabled customers.
The first webinar training session is scheduled for July 29, shortly after the ADA’s anniversary. This initiative aims to specifically help businesses learn how to identify and address accessibility barriers, which can significantly affect their ability to serve customers with disabilities.
According to the program’s creator and training specialist, many businesses currently lack awareness of the accessibility challenges faced by disabled individuals but are eager to learn how to be more inclusive. The training will provide guidance on government regulations and offer practical, low-cost strategies to enhance accessibility within their operations.
Examples of changes that businesses can implement include installing threshold ramps for easier access, providing sensory-friendly hours for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, and adding alternative text descriptions to images on their websites. These modifications are designed to create a more welcoming environment for all customers.
The program has been described by the city’s disability commissioner as supportive rather than punitive, emphasizing that the goal is to assist businesses in making necessary adjustments. Once businesses complete the training, they will have the opportunity to take an exit assessment. Successful participants will receive a certification, which is represented by distinctive sky-blue signage that can be displayed at their storefronts, signaling their commitment to accessibility.
This initiative has been inspired by the success of the Age Strong Commission’s certification program for age-friendly businesses, indicating a growing trend in the city to foster inclusive environments across various demographics. To accommodate demand, the Disability Inclusion trained Business Certification program will be offered twice a year, with options for private training also available throughout the year.
City officials have expressed a strong desire for participation from every business in Boston. Currently, there are approximately 78,000 disabled individuals living in the city, highlighting the significant community impact this program aims to achieve. Early registrations for the inaugural webinar suggest that local businesses are showing interest and willingness to engage with the training.
This initiative aligns with Boston’s broader mission to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all its residents and visitors, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the principles embodied in the ADA since its inception. As the program moves forward, it represents a proactive step for businesses to improve their practices and ensure that everyone has equal access to services and facilities.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Disability Inclusion Certification for Businesses
- CBS News: Music Inclusion Ensemble for Disabilities
- WHDH: Berklee Professor on Inclusion Ensemble
- Business Wire: Eastern Bank Recognized for Disability Inclusion
- iHeart: Nicole Homerin on Becoming an Advocate
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
