Maureen Callahan, executive director of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and a longtime Needham resident, told the Needham Commission on Disabilities at its January meeting that a shortage of accessible housing is forcing some residents and families to wait years for suitable units.

Callahan said she reached out to the commission to raise awareness, to learn what currently exists in town and to explore how the commission might advocate for more accessible options. "My daughter has been on a list for 10 to 15 years and hasn't gotten a call," Callahan said, describing long waits for accessible units.

The commission's discussion centered on cataloging existing accessible units in Needham, clarifying which units are managed by the Needham Housing Authority and identifying gaps for people who do not qualify for public housing but still need accessibility features. Commissioners and guests noted a recent state-level policy development: Callahan described a newly passed state "accessible dwelling unit" law intended to allow accessory units designed for accessibility (she framed it as recent legislation that could expand options statewide).

Commission members said the first practical step is to identify what is already available. Commissioners asked Tatiana Swanson, the town ADA liaison, to share contact information for the town's housing specialist and to invite the housing specialist (named in discussion as Allison Steinfeld) to meet with the commission. The commission also discussed reaching out to the Needham Housing Authority and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities for data or guidance.

Commissioners and guests urged a two-track approach: catalog current accessible units and waiting lists, and pursue longer-term zoning and development conversations so new construction includes units people with mobility needs can actually use. Stephanie Wyman, the school district's executive director of special education, and other commissioners highlighted the demographic pressures of an aging population and the importance of keeping residents in the communities where they have social supports.

The commission did not take a formal vote on policy at the January meeting. Members agreed to form a subgroup to catalog accessible units and to contact the town housing specialist and the Needham Housing Authority to request available data and, where helpful, to invite those staff to a future meeting.

Callahan said she is willing to assist and connect the commission with state-level advocacy contacts. The commission said it will report back after the housing specialist or housing authority staff have been consulted.