Help Us Build CIAC
We’re building more than a website—we’re building the Cape & Islands Accessibility Collaborative. We’re committed to making this site as accessible as the communities we’re working to create. Professional accessibility design and development is estimated at $2,500–$6,000. We’re seeking volunteers, donated professional services, and financial support to help complete this work. If you believe in a more accessible Cape & Islands, we’d love your help.
ADA Planning
Strategic assessments and long-term planning tools to help municipalities systematically address accessibility barriers in programs, services, and facilities.
You may also find these resources helpful: MOD Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program, Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
Funding & Grants
If you’re preparing for the next MOD ADA Improvement Grant cycle, start with these resources.
You may also find these resources helpful: ADA Transition Plans, ADA Self-Evaluations.
Digital Access
Resources to help municipalities make websites, online services, digital documents, software, and digital communications accessible to everyone.
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
MassAccess
MassAccess provides comprehensive guidance on WCAG standards, information and communication technology (ICT) procurement policies, and tools for testing municipal websites and digital documents.
Audience: Municipal staff, IT staff, communications staff, ADA Coordinators, schools, public entities
Type: Digital accessibility guidance, training, standards, and tools
Source: Massachusetts MassAccess
STATE DIGITAL POLICY
Executive Office of Technology Services & Security (EOTSS)
EOTSS establishes statewide standards for digital services, ensuring that government websites and applications adhere to robust accessibility policies and inclusive design guidance.
Audience: Government technology staff, municipal leaders, IT staff, communications staff
Type: State digital accessibility policy and standards
Source: Executive Office of Technology Services & Security
LOCAL GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY
Office of Municipal & School Technology (OMST)
OMST offers technology modernization and cybersecurity assistance, helping municipalities and schools implement secure, accessible digital services and accessible technology infrastructures.
Audience: Municipalities, schools, IT staff, administrators, technology leaders
Type: Municipal and school technology guidance
Source: Office of Municipal & School Technology
Facilities & Built Environment
Resources to help municipalities plan, design, and maintain accessible municipal buildings, public spaces, parks, sidewalks, and other facilities.
BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB)
The AAB Oversees compliance with 521 CMR building regulations, providing technical assistance, reviewing variance applications, and issuing advisory opinions on physical accessibility.
Audience: Municipal staff, building officials, facilities staff, ADA Coordinators, design professionals, public entities
Type: Massachusetts building accessibility regulations and technical guidance
Source: Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD)
IHCD provides technical assistance and consulting on Universal Design and inclusive public spaces, supporting municipalities throughout facility planning and community engagement processes.
Audience: Municipal staff, planners, facilities staff, ADA Coordinators, architects, designers, public entities
Type: Universal Design, accessibility consulting, training, and technical assistance
Source: Institute for Human Centered Design
BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY
521 CMR – Massachusetts Accessibility Regulations
521 CMR is the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board’s mandatory accessibility regulations for buildings and facilities across the Commonwealth.
Audience: Municipal staff, building officials, facilities staff, design professionals, public entities
Type: Massachusetts building accessibility regulations
Source: Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
Training & Technical Assistance
If you need help navigating official state or federal requirements, start with these recognized accessibility organizations. CIAC can help you connect with the right technical assistance partners to move your municipal priorities forward.
Last Updated: June 2026
Help Us Improve This Resource Center
We’re building this resource library collaboratively. If you know of an official accessibility resource that should be included, discover a broken link, or notice outdated information, we’d love to hear from you. Our goal is to keep this resource center current, practical, and valuable for municipalities across Massachusetts.
Last Updated: June 2026