Community Access Monitor Training

The Community Access Monitor Program teaches you how to survey buildings for accessibility. You will use your skills to advocate for compliance with various rules and regulations.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability has been training people since 1985 through the Community Access Monitor Project to survey buildings for accessibility and advocate for compliance. Approximately 13,000 individuals have been trained.

Initially, the Community Access Monitor Project was focused on enforcing the Architectural Access Board's Rules and Regulations. However, with the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the scope of access requirements has expanded beyond architectural accessibility to include communication and programmatic accessibility. As a result, the role of the Community Access Monitor has also evolved.

The training workbook provides detailed information on access legislation and a step-by-step process for conducting assessments and encouraging voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations.

2024 CAM Training Schedule

At this time, the CAM training is held virtually over Zoom.

• Typically, the virtual training runs from 10 am until 3 pm for two (2) consecutive or non-consecutive days. Registration is required. Please see the registration link below each session heading.  
• This information is updated regularly, so please check back often.

January 2024 Update:

Please be aware: the link will register you for Day 1 only. We will ensure you are registered for Day 2 so that you will receive the link for Day 2 directly from Zoom. 

If you have any questions about the training or if you need assistance in registering, contact MOD at [e-mail] or 617-727-7440.  

CAM Training - April: 
Date: Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom
This training is now full. Registration is closed.

CAM Training - May:
Date: Tuesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 16th. 
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom
This training is now full. Registration is closed.

CAM Training - June: 
Date: Thursday, June 6th and Thursday, June 13th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm.
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Registration Link

CAM Training - October
Date: Wednesday, October 2nd and Wednesday, October 9th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm.
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Registration Link

Accessibility

The built environment can be extremely challenging for people with disabilities as they face a range of barriers that can make it difficult for them to fully participate in society. 

These barriers are related to various aspects, such as:

• architecture, 
• communication, 
• programmatic, and 
• policy limitations. 

For instance, people with disabilities often find it challenging to access public places such as stores, banks, offices, municipal buildings, and restaurants due to the lack of proper infrastructure. Many of these places are not wheelchair accessible, which can make it nearly impossible for individuals with mobility-related disabilities to enter and use them. 

Moreover, many individuals with disabilities face communication barriers due to a lack of assistive technology, sign language interpreters, or other support systems. Communication barriers can make it difficult for people with disabilities to communicate with others and participate in daily activities such as socializing, working, or attending school. As a result, they are often excluded from community events and other social gatherings. 

The 2-day CAM training will discuss all of this and more, with a heavy focus on access within the built environment and is cross-disability related.

Your role

Community Access Monitors play an important role in encouraging access improvements. While you don't have legal enforcement authority, you still can be an effective advocate by working with:

• Municipal disability commissions
• Independent Living Centers
• ADA Coordinators
• Building inspectors
• Others

Skills you'll learn

The CAM program has been designed to provide you with comprehensive training on how to advocate for accessibility improvements and conduct building assessments effectively. During the training program, you will gain an understanding of access laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations.

In addition to the knowledge and skills mentioned above, you will also gain an understanding of the range of state and federal organizations that play a role in ensuring accessibility. This knowledge will be invaluable in helping you navigate the complex landscape of accessibility regulations and requirements. 

Once you complete the 2-day CAM training, you will be invited back for a half-day Advanced CAM training in the near future. This additional training will provide you with advanced skills and knowledge to help you become an even more effective advocate for accessibility improvements.

2024 Advanced CAM Training Schedule

These trainings are available for people who have completed the 2-day CAM training in the past. You will be directly invited from MOD.

ACAM Training - March: 
Date: Wednesday, March 13th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ACAM Training - May: 
Date: Thursday, May 9th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ACAM Training - June: 
Date: Tuesday, June 11th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ACAM Training - August: 
Date: Tuesday, August 6th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ACAM Training - September: 
Date: Thursday, September 12th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ACAM Training - November: 
Date: Thursday, November 14th.
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Virtual on Zoom

Last updated:	March 8, 2024