ACOD Projects

Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and a specially trained search and rescue team. Clients that are enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify 911 that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer's area and starts searching with the mobile locater tracking system. Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Nationwide in over 1000 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths. Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.

Main Street Access Project

In anticipation of the Main Street Project, the Commission’s sub-committee on Access has conducted a study of the accessibility of businesses with a Main Street address, particularly during the Main Street renovations, so that all citizens and visitors to Andover can benefit from the improvements to our town.
Accessibility Study of Businesses With Main Street Addresses

Curb Cuts

Every year, the Commission submits to the Department of Public Works a list identifying curb cut priorities based on the requirements of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).

Playgrounds Accessibility

Improving the Town’s playgrounds accessibility is a combined effort with the Plant and Facilities Department.

Emergency Preparedness

In collaboration with state initiatives, the State Department of Health, and the Homeland Security Program, commission members are attending various emergency preparedness programs locally, regionally, and at the state level. We will be working closely with the Andover Board of Health, Andover Police and Fire and regional emergency personnel to revise and implement disaster plans. Our focus is on the needs of the disabled during and after evacuations from either natural or man-made disasters. This effort is part of our mission statement and a high priority for the coming year.

• Federal Government Emergency Preparedness Information: Ready.gov
• Disability Policy Consortium (an organization of volunteer disability rights activists who share a common goal of equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities) planning: Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan (PDF) Version Here Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan (Word) Version Here

Enhanced 9-1-1

"Enhanced 9-1-1" automatically identifies for 9-1-1 call-takers the telephone number and address of callers. The system provides emergency responders with the location of the emergency without the person calling for help having to provide it. This is often useful in times of fires, break-ins, kidnapping and other events where communicating your location is difficult or impossible. Andover’s system also allows people to individually register with the Police Department by filling out a 911 “Disability Indicator Form” available at the 911 Dispatch office or on the Web at: Disability Indicator Program or Disability Indicator Form

M.V.R.T.A. Extended Hours Program

The Merrimack Valley Regional Transportation Authority (M.V.R.T.A) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) "EZ Trans" service’s Sunday Andover Extended Hours program is now accessible to passengers who use wheelchairs. The Sunday Extended Hours program is an origin to destination reserved service that is open to senior and disabled residents of Andover who have been pre-approved to ride with the EZ Trans service. The Andover Extended Hours program runs every Sunday except holidays between the hours of 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM. All transportation must be within the town of Andover or between Andover addresses and The Loop in Methuen. All reservations for the Andover Extended Hours program must be pre-booked by 4:30 PM on the Thursday prior to the requested trip. Please call (978) 469-6878 option 3 if you have any questions regarding this or any other M.V.R.T.A. EZ Trans service.

M.V.R.T.A Commuting Information

• MVRTA Information
• MVRTA EZ Tran Extended Hours Public Notice