Newton Losing Its First Full-Time Accessibility Leader To Retirement

NEWTON, MA — A city employee is set to retire after a storied career of advocating for accessibility.

Jini Fairley has been Newton’s ADA Coordinator for the last ten years. Before her full-time appointment, the role had previously been shared by multiple people. Her passion for accessibility improvement stems from when she was declared legally blind in 1994 due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that slowly causes the retina to degrade. Fairley was previously the Director of Services at the MetroWest Center for Independent Living in Framingham. She was named the Carroll Society Blind Employee of the Year in 2013. The center is known for housing and supporting those who are visually impaired.

The longtime Newton resident began serving the city as a member of the Commission on Disability before taking on the role of ADA Coordinator. Her legacy features being a driving force behind accessibility upgrades to the Newtonville MBTA station, and continues to advocate for others still in need of improvements. She also had a focus on improving intersection safety for both pedestrians and drivers. In addition, she brought efficiency improvements to the city’s ride service for older adults and those with disabilities. While Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said that her ability to keep city departments in line with state and federal accountability laws was exceptional, her personal qualities had an equally great impact on her and the city.

“Jini (Fairley) helped lead Newton toward a culture of inclusion, one rooted in, respect, thoughtful accommodation, and a genuine commitment to a community where everyone can fully participate in civic life,” Fuller said. “Jini approached her work with a generous heart and a clear moral compass.”

See Also:

Former Newton Rabbi Arrested In Child Sex Sting Operation

Newton Bids Farewell To Longtime Library Director