Through the advocacy of Malden’s Disability Commission, the City recently received a $45,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) to complete upgrades to the John and Christina Markey Malden Senior Community Center. This building houses programs for our senior residents as well as for the Malden Teen Enrichment Center which runs programs each afternoon, afterschool.
The City’s Disability Commission has been proactive in implementing the City’s ADA Self-Evaluation Plan and in working to eliminate barriers for persons of differing abilities. The grant will be used to upgrade the accessible elements in the bathrooms at the Center, including the installation of handicap openers on doors and self-closing hinges on the stall doors. In addition, the project will include the replacement of handrails on the ramp to the stage in the auditorium as well as upgrades to some minor non-compliant features.
“I appreciate the continued work and advocacy of our Disability Commission and want to thank member Frank Cina and Public Facilities Director Eric Rubin for taking the lead on this grant application,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “Due to the high use and traffic of this building, it is imperative that we ensure that individuals of all abilities are afforded access and an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the programs and services offered at the facility.”