Shrewsbury Gets Disabilities Act Grant To Improve Town Facilities

SHREWSBURY, MA — A state grant awarded to Shrewsbury will help the town improve access to government buildings for people with hearing difficulties.

Shrewsbury was one of 57 cities and towns that received a Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act grant last week. The town's $35,000 award will fund listening systems in municipal buildings to help people with reduced hearing abilities participate in local government.

"The installation of assistive listening systems in Shrewsbury will allow those who are hard of hearing to seamlessly participate in town meetings, hearings, and other events with devices that can amplify what is being said into microphones to a volume that is clear and comfortable for the user," state Sen. Michael Moore said in a news release. "I’d like to thank the Massachusetts Office on Disability for their commitment to accessibility and for recognizing the importance of bringing this technology to the people of Shrewsbury through this generous grant."

The state awarded close to $4 million in grants this fiscal year, with Shrewsbury and Boylston the only towns in the area receiving awards.