Resources for Businesses

Assistance for Building Professionals

CCPD offers free guidance and consultation for building professionals and architects designing or renovating sites in Cambridge. Staff can advise on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) compliance, as well as the MAAB variance process. Staff can also make site visits in some cases, but can not provide legal advice.  

To request guidance, contact ccpd@cambridgema.gov.

Resources for Businesses

The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities collaborates closely with the Community Development Department's Economic Opportunity and Development Division (EODD).

EODD oversees several grant programs to help small businesses improve accessibility for customers and patrons.

Storefront Improvement Program

Through the Storefront Improvement Program, Cambridge property owners or tenants are eligible for financial help to renovate or restore the exterior of their commercial buildings. Property owners can use funds to create more accessible entrances by installing new ramps, walkways, and/or automatic doors with push buttons.

Learn more about the Storefront Improvement Program

Retail Interior Accessibility Program

Through the Retail Interior Accessibility Program, Cambridge property owners and business tenants improve the accessibility of the inside of their commercial building. The program provides funding for projects that meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) standards and regulations. Funds are paid in the form of a reimbursement check upon project completion.

Reimbursements have funded projects including:

• Accessible bathrooms
• Countertops built to accessible heights for bars / restaurants and sales / checkout counters
• Shelving installed at accessible heights
• Tables, chairs, or other seating built to accessible regulations
• Interior lifts
• Interior ramps and/or walkways

Learn more about the Retail Interior Accessibility Program

Photo Caption: Sarah’s Market, a cafe and convenience store located in Cambridge’s Observatory Hill neighborhood, used funds from the Storefront Improvement Program to install new doors and ADA push buttons that automatically open the doors. These improvements help wheelchair users and people who use mobility devices enter and exit the storefront more easily.