Attorney Richard Rodriguez Appointed as a Commissioner to the Lawrence Commission on Disability
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The Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys (MAHA), the leading Hispanic legal organization in Massachusetts, promotes service and excellence in the Hispanic legal community and seeks to provide opportunities for professional growth to its members. MAHA strives to enhance the business and professional stature of its members in the legal community at large, increase the participation of Hispanic leaders in the civic arena, and elevate the standard of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.
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September 13, 2014
The Puerto Rican Political Action Coalition (PR-PAC) is pleased to announce that the Mayor Daniel Rivera, and the City Council, appointed Attorney Richard Rodriguez as a Commissioner to the Lawrence Commission on Disability. Attorney Rodriguez is an active member in Lawrence, and the Hispanic and Puerto Rican communities. Not only does he suffer from hearing and speech impediments, but he has overcome poverty and the difficulties of growing up in the housing projects located in one of the worst neighborhoods of the Lower East Side in New York City. Against all odds, from his disabilities and adversity, Attorney Rodriguez graduated from high school, enlisted with the Army National Guard, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, was awarded a postgraduate certificate in Public Policy from the CORO Foundation in Public Policy, and graduated with a J.D. Degree from Massachusetts School of Law.
Commission on disability reactivated in Lawrence By Paul Tennant
Feb 18, 2016
Lawrence city Commission on Disability has been reactivated, according to the panel's chairman, attorney Richard Rodriguez.
The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 29 at 5 p.m. in City Hall. Members will be talking about what training they need to be effective in their role, Rodriguez said.
The commission has seven members and is getting ready to tackle problems that residents with physical and mental challenges face, he said. One of their projects is the building in which they will be convening.
The commission is working with city officials to make "City Hall more usable for people with disabilities," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez noted the Americans with Disabilities Act became law 25 years ago. The Lawrence Commission on Disability became inactive but when Daniel Rivera was running for mayor in 2013, he pledged to revive the board, Rodriguez said.
"As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ADA, I want to personally thank Mayor Rivera for his outstanding leadership and commitment to servicing individuals with disabilities and their families," Rodriguez said.
The city charter authorizes the mayor to appoint nine up to members of the Commission on Disability, subject to confirmation by the City Council. The commission now has seven members: Joseph Couture, Michelle Ann Poletta, Frances Kuchar, Richard McCarthy, Sharon McKenna, William Sanabria and Rodriguez.
Rivera said he thinks seven members will be adequate.
The commissioners include people with hearing, mobility and visual impairments and learning disability, according to Rodriguez.
The city charter requires the commission to meet six times per year, according to Rodriguez. Times and locations of these meetings will be posted at City Hall and on the city's website, he said.
Rivera said meeting the needs of disabled residents is a "priority for my administration."
"I want to assure them their voice will be heard in a real way," the mayor said.
Rodriguez said the commission plans to schedule community forums "where consumers and service providers would be invited to identify and to access the level of accessibility in Lawrence's programs, services, and activities.
