By law, the majority of those appointed to the commission must be persons with a disability and they are chosen to represent as wide a range of disabilities as possible. One of the appointees shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability and one member must be an elected or appointed municipal official.
Members normally serve for three year terms.
The definition also includes persons with a variety of other severely limiting physical conditions. To advise municipal officials to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local disability laws. To review and make recommendations about policies and activities of municipal departments and boards as they affect people with disabilities. To work with public and private agencies in Needham to integrate people with disabilities into the community. This includes not only better access for the mobility impaired but also alternate media for those with vision and hearing problems, and expanded public transportation services.