Wellesley welcomed federal, state, and MBTA officials on Friday, July 26 to celebrate $500,000 in federal accessibility funding for the Wellesley Square commuter rail station.
The money was secured by Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark, the Democratic Minority Whip, and will be used by the MBTA to install a mini-high platform at the Wellesley Square stop to ensure full access to the commuter rail for riders of all abilities.
"This exciting upgrade to our station’s infrastructure is the direct result of the tireless work of two local Wellesley families and disability advocates, the Faheys and the O’Hanlons, Representative Alice Peisch, and Select Board Chair Colette Aufranc. Wellesley is committed to providing safe and accessible transportation options for all of its residents and visitors, and we thank everyone for their dedication to this goal," said Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop.
The event took place on the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For Liz Fahey and her son Will, who uses a wheelchair, the celebration was especially significant. "We started working on this project nine years ago when Will went to this station to board a train for his job at Fenway Park, and couldn't get on without help from fellow riders who carried him on board," she said. "Today, we're so grateful that Will can soon get to work using the station closest to his home."
Loraine O'Hanlon and her son Daniel also attended and expressed similar thoughts. Loraine thanked everyone who helped make the project possible, adding that her advocacy for the disabled community is simply to ensure human dignity and freedom to people regardless of ability.
Others in attendance included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, MBTA General Manager and CEO Philip Eng, Governor's Councillor Marilyn Devaney, MassDOT representatives and Select Board Vice Chair Marjorie Freiman and Board member Lise Olney. MassDOT Assistant General Manager for the Department of System-Wide Accessibility Laura Brelsford worked closely with all officials on this project.
The mini-high platforms are expected to be installed at the Wellesley Square station in the coming weeks.
Individuals pictured below include (left to right): Rob Sampson from MassDOT Dept. of System-Wide Accessibility, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Rep. Peisch, Liz Fahey, MBTA GM Phil Eng, Marilyn Devaney, Daniel O'Hanlon, Loraine O'Hanlon, Meghan Jop, Congresswoman Clark, and MassDOT Undersecretary Hayes Morrison.