Public Hearing Notice  AAB Hearing - DDS Group Homes & 521 CMR Compliance

The Architectural Access Board (“AAB”) will hold a public hearing to solicit comments about whether community based residential programs that serve five or fewer individuals in homes situated in single or two-family residences and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) should be considered “public buildings” as that term is defined by G.L. c. 22, §13A, and thus subject to the provisions of 521 CMR.

The AAB invites all interested parties to attend the public hearing and offer comments on this issue.

In addition to offering comments at the public hearing, interested parties may submit written comments on this issue until close of business, 5:00 pm EST, on Friday, June 21, 2019. Written comments may be submitted to the AAB via first class mail or electronic (e-mail) using the following contact information:

First Class Mail:
Architectural Access Board
Attn: Public Hearing Comments – DDS Group Homes
Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118

E-Mail:
Karen Brann, Program Coordinator: karen.brann@mass.gov
William Joyce, Compliance Officer: william.joyce@mass.gov
John High, Assistant Legal Counsel: john.r.high@mass.gov

NOTICE: Reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in this meeting. All requests should be submitted to Cheryl Yebba at (617)- 727-2099 or cheryl.yebba@mass.gov no later than two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. While the Architectural Access Board will attempt to honor all requests, those requests received after that date may not be provided due to feasibility.