DALTON, Mass. — Municipal employees will have the option to participate in Americans with Disabilities Act training.
ADA coordinator Alyssa Maschino informed the ADA Committee on Monday that Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson approved the idea and is currently in the planning process.
The virtual training will cover state ADA requirements, ensuring program accessibility for people with disabilities, and the reasonable modification process.
The training is led by Julia O'Leary, general counsel for Massachusetts Office on Disability. The Office on Disability "provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and obligations," the state website says.
A lot of people are used to being able to walk upstairs and being mobile, so they are not thinking about how their surroundings affect people with mobile disabilities, committee member Edward "Bud" Hall said.
This will give town employees a better understanding of what is compliant and what is not,
"A lot of people are just used to the everyday walking upstairs, running into the building, not thinking about, what about the other person that can't do it. So this just will probably give them insight and hopefully helping
Maschino and Hutcheson are considering holding the training during the monthly staff meeting on the third Wednesday of each month.
Although the training is an hour and "I feel like everyone should really take the time to do it" it is unclear if the town can make it mandatory, Maschino said.
In other news, the committee signed a letter recommending the town install sidewalks on Orchard Road.
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Weekend Outlook: Fresh Start
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend, including hiking, volunteering, fundraisers, and more.
Editor's Pick
First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
The new year is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Fresh Start."
Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.
Future Labs Gallery All Members Reception
43 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
View artwork by more than 40 Future Labs Gallery member artists. More information here.
Collaged Coasters for Tweens and Teens
Milne Public Library Williamstown
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
"Decompress and Decoupage." Decoupage is the art of applying a collage of paper onto a surface. Make collage wooden coasters whether it's a gift or a piece of art to hang on your wall. More information here.
Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.
Sing your heart out while supporting the local American Legion Post. More information here.
Joni Mitchell Tribute Band Performance
17 Main St., South Egremont
Time: 8 p.m.
Big Yellow Taxi, a Joni Mitchell tribute band, will perform many of Mitchell's popular songs.
Help raise money for the girls and boys basketball program by playing a game of musical bingo. More information here.
Lecture by Former Peace Corps Volunteers
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.
Two former Peace Corps volunteers Eduardo and Edmundo tell their story of collecting used equipment from the Berkshires and shipping it to Honduras. More information here.
Tracking Winter Wildlife for Beginners
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m.
Take a beginner-friendly walk through fields and forests to search for tracks, scat, and signs of the delicate but exciting interactions between predators and their prey.
With any luck, you will find signs of coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, and more. Tickets are $15 for Mass Auburn members and $20 for non-members.
'The Princess and the Frog' Screening
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 1 p.m.
Bring your family to the library for a free screening of the Disney classic, "The Princess and the Frog." Enjoy popcorn and to be more sustainable bring your own bowl.
Welcome the New Year by celebrating with others at events marking the beginning of 2026, including live music, skiing, fireworks, and numerous parties.
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