[Adopted 5-1-2022 ATM by Art. 48]
A. 
The name of this commission is the Commission on Disability (hereafter referred to as the Commission).
B. 
The purpose of the Commission is to coordinate or carry out programs in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability and advise the Select Board on the same to bring about full and equal participation in all aspects of life in the Town of Hopkinton for people with disabilities.
C. 
The purpose of these bylaws is to establish principles, policies, and procedures for the governance of this Commission.
A. 
Research, understand, evaluate, and advocate local issues, challenges and opportunities encountered by people with disabilities.
B. 
Coordinate the activities of other local groups organized to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
C. 
Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services and activities of departments and agencies of the Town as they affect people with disabilities.
D. 
Work in cooperation with the departments and agencies of the Town to bring about maximum participation of people with disabilities.
E. 
Initiate, monitor, and promote legislation at the city, state and federal level which advances the equal status of people with disabilities.
F. 
Encourage public awareness of disability issues.
G. 
Provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability.
H. 
Recruit and recommend prospective Commission members to the Town Manager.
I. 
File an annual report, which shall be printed in the Town’s annual report.
A. 
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Town Manager, subject to the approval of the Select Board. Four members shall consist of people with disabilities. One member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability. One member shall be either an elected or appointed official of the Town.
B. 
The members shall initially serve the following terms: (1.) Two members shall serve one-year terms; (2.) Two members shall serve two-year terms; and (3.) Three members shall serve three-year terms. After the initial term, all members shall serve three-year terms.
C. 
Resignation shall be made by notifying the chairperson in writing.
D. 
The Town Manager shall fill any vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
E. 
Any members of said Commission may, after a public hearing, if so requested, be removed for cause by the appointing authority.
F. 
All members shall have full voting rights.
A. 
The officers shall include a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary.
B. 
Officers shall be elected annually by the majority vote of the Commission.
C. 
One member may hold more than one office.