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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-1990 DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL AUGUST 9, 1990 MINUTES PRESENT: Brenda Kuhn, Sherry Thurston, Ray Reynolds, Carol Franco , Afi Binta-Lloyd, Jon Merritt, Richard Farruggio, Diann Sams ABSENT: Lemoyne Farrell, David Farmer, Lynn Logan, Diana Pogson Each committee member gave a brief background of their disability, their skills and personal connection to disability issues; and what they would like to see the Disability Advisory Council (DAC) accomplish. Ms. Kuhn stated that it is important that the committee recognize that there are many different types of disabilities to be considered and decisions must be made for the benefit of the disabled community as a whole. Discussion ensued on the different kinds of disabilities, such as environmental illness, that the DAC will need to address. It was suggested that the DAC set aside a time within their scheduled meetings for learning about various disabilities and their specific needs. Ms. Kuhn pointed out that DAC is how a government board and will be working within the City's guidelines and mandates. This means that if DAC brings something to Common Council they are going to have to have the facts. Research will need to be done thoroughly. She said that DAC will have to know what they are talking about, and that what is being asked for or suggested is a genuine need and can be accomplished. Mr. Reynolds stated that the Advisory Council will be working to see that the law is enforced, but there are other areas not concerned with legal issues that require our attention. Perhaps these could be done by volunteers. The following persons have verbally committed to serving as liaisons to the DAC. (Filling of these positions will require appointment by the Mayor) : Pat Connor, Board of Public Works Kathleen Decker, Building Department Andrew Yale, Planning Board Neil Golder or John Johnson, Human Services Committee The charges for the DAC as stated in the approved proposal were reviewed and discussion followed on how to procure assessments. Ms. Kuhn referred to a report on accessibility that was done in 1985 for government agencies in the City. Copies of this report are being done by the Planning Department for the DAC and will be forthcoming to committee members. Discussion followed regarding what has been done thus far regarding needs assessment for disabled accessibility, and how the DAC can get more input from the public by holding meetings that have been advertised in the papers, on television and radio stations. It was suggested that DAC arrange a call-in program with the media; a chance for members of the community to speak out on problems and suggestions. Discussion ensued regarding the governing structure of the Disability Advisory Council . Ms. Kuhn stated that if a member cannot attend a meeting, it will be possible, with a proxy form, for -that -person to sign over - their vote to another member by coming in or mailing in their form to City Hall. It was agreed by the members that there will be a secretary to the DAC and two co-chairs. Further discussion followed about whether or not the secretary should be the contact person for the council. It was resolved that the Chairperson would serve as contact person. Ray Reynolds and Brenda Kuhn were nominated for Chairperson and Vice-chairperson of the council. A unanimous vote was taken by the DAC for the appointment of Ray Reynolds as Chairperson and Brenda Kuhn as Vice-chairperson for the Disability Advisory Council. Jon Merritt, Sherry Thurston and Afi Binta-Lloyd were nominated to be secretary to the council. A vote was taken by the Council for the appointment of Sherry Thurston as secretary to the Disability Advisory Council . Discussion followed regarding meeting times and when and how often the DAC will meet. It was the consensus of the council that for the time being, early afternoon (12 : 00 - 2 : 00) would be the best time for meeting, and the Advisory Council will meet on the second Thursday of every month, for two hours. DAC/cjh Disability Advisory Council 9-13-90 Introductions Le Moyne Farrel Neal Golder from HSC and also 3rd ward Alderman John Johnson from HSC 4th Ward Alderman Carol Franco Physical Therapist Pat Conner from the BPW Penny Clair Liaison from the health dept (does visual screening for preschoolers) Kathleen Decker Liaison, Housing inspector . Le Moine' s Things- Time Dating parking violators Setting up a challenge course at area parks as well as making parks more accessible (disabled fishing access. ) If there are to be speakers at the DAC meetings will the speaking be during the lunch hour period of the meeting? Should DAC business be taken care of first before the speakers take the floor? All are invited to DAC meetings they are open to the public . Brenda Kuhn volunteered to be the person to' contact the speakers who will come to the DAC meetings . Legal aspects of ADA need to be covered. Housing code, transportation, etc. The idea of developing a radio call in show to help determine the needs of the disabled in Ithaca. This will be looked into by the following people: Brenda Kuhn, Richie Farruggio and Jon Merritt. Assessment will be needed to give the DAC specific direction and will help prioritize needs and issues of the disabled community. Options for assessment include looking at past accessibility assessments , both on a state and local level . Assessment should be broad with regard to disability. All disabilities should be considered. A two pronged approach was brought up to deal with needs assessment. Needs should be dealt with in the following way: There is a short term approach dealing with immediate needs (among these needs the following was suggested. Putting a power door on city hall and fixing the curb cut at the corner of Seneca and TIoga at the N.W. corner . Neal Golder suggested that we go to the city clerks office and get information on how other councils and committees work . The DAC' s next meeting will be held on October on 10/11/90 . The DAC will meet every second Thursday of each month. DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 13, 1990- MINUTES PRESENT: Brenda Kuhn, Ray Reynolds, Carol Franco, Jon Merritt, Richard Farruggio, Neil Golder, LeMoyne Farrell Pat Connor, Kathleen Decker, John Johnson, Penny Clair, Jan Aneshansley ABSENT: Sherry Thurston, Diann Sams, Afi Binta-Lloyd, David Farmer, Diana Pogson, Lynn Logan APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Farrell requested that a change be made in the spelling of her name on the minutes of August 9, 1990. Mr. Reynolds requested that a clarification be made to the following statement: Mr Reynolds stated that the Advisory Council will be working to see that the law is enforced. but there are other areas not concerned with legal issues that required our attention. Perhaps these could be done by volunteers. The last sentence was not what he intended it to mean. What he intended is that there were a lot of areas that may, fall outside the realm of the legal network that could be resolved by voluntary cooperation with government, community, business rather than resorting to legal action to resolving a problem or to improve a situation. There were not enough committee members present so minutes were not approved. • OLD BUSINESS ESTABLISH QUORUM It was decided that for the present seven members would establish a quorum. CURRENT POLICY FOR HAVING PEOPLE SPEAK ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISABILITIES AND ASSOCIATED NEEDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATING THE COUNCIL The consensus of those present was that this was something that could be done at the end of the meeting and the last half-hour would be devoted to people speaking out on various types of disabilities that the council may not be familiar with. Ms. Kuhn will act as contact person for these speakers. Disability Advisory Council September 13 , 1990 Page 2 POLICIES FOR PUBLIC INPUT DURING REGULAR (DAC) MEETINGS Mr. Farruggio, Mr. Merritt, Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Kuhn volunteered for media outreach committee. PAST AND FUTURE ASSESSMENTS OF WHAT IS NEEDED AND WHAT IS ALREADY AVAILABLE Mr. Merritt suggested going to the State Advocates Office for the Disabled for information on assessment needs. Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association was also suggested as a resource. Mr. Reynolds spoke on gathering input on concerns through radio and television outreach. NEW BUSINESS BYLAWS Mr. Golder, as liaison from the Human Services Committee, advised that bylaws might be helpful as guidelines. Mr. Reynolds stated that some bylaws were already to be found in our initial proposal. COMMITTEES NEEDED Mr. Golder spoke on a two-pronged approach for organizing the DAC. One would focus on gathering long range needs assessment. . The , second focused on short term, immediate solution. The next meeting will be October 9 , 1990. The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. K. DISA81L1TY ADVISORY COUNCIL Qcmooer 9, 1990 PRESENT: Reynolds, Kuhn, t=urruggio, Merritt. Yogson. Farreii , Sams, Decker, Golder, Clair, Franco tth -ough proxy) ABSENT: Thurston, Logan, f=armer, Conner, Aneshansley OLD BUSINESS: Meeting times: A letter was read from Lynn Loqan stating ner regrets for not attending meetings. This is due to schedule contlacts. Neither Andrew Yale nor David F=armer can attend for the same reason. Discussion tollowed on changing the meeting time and trans- portation difficulties. hay R. sugqested an evening meeting tame. Transportation is a problem because halt of the membership is dependent on Gadabout. Jon M. will find out if gadabout transport is available for the evening. A suggestion was made that members pick up each other. John M. will call for volun- teers for the next meeting. A suggestion was made that the Finger Lakes independence Center might be a' peterrabie place to hold DAC meetings The next meeting time was set for Tuesday. November 13 at City Hall . Community Outreach: Ray K. sugqested doinq an intormationallcall-in radio pro- gram, allowing the community to address the DAC and vice versa. Some ideas: two or more DAC: members explain its history and pur- pose; other speakers to include: Mitt Goidstein of C:hailenge Indus. , representatives trom various aisaoility support groups, representatives of the DPW. the Mayor, a member of the Social Security Board; a discussion of the Hmericans with Disaoilities Act. Advance notice of the radio spot could be made throuoh news- papers and Cable Channels 13 and 7. NEW BUSINESS: Automatic Door For City Hall: A ramp on City Hall already exist, but several automatic doors are needed to assure full access. Mayor Nichols has sugqested that the DAC put together a proposal . The City Building Dept. and the Dept. of Public Works can help assess the building' s specific needs. N. Golder, liason to the Human Sevices Committee, otfered to investigate the correct proceedure for bringing this betore Com- mon Council . Telecommuncation Device for the Disabled (TD1)7 lntormation: Concern was, express about the availability of a 1DO at the County Emergency Phone Number. Research should be done on whether this is a City or County responsibility. Irene bland, Deaf Services Coordinator trom t=L1C, will be asked to speak to the DAC to detail needs and cost. Money for a sign lanquage interpreter for Irene gland and for other hearinq impaired participants should be checked with the City Comptrolier2s Utfice. 1985 Report on City vovernment Accessibility: 6. Kuhn distributed copies of the Report, and asked members to review it in preparation for tuture discussion. Handicapped rarkinq: There was an expressed concern about the need for more handicappewd parking spaces, and the need tar these spaces to oe better policed. MOTION: It was moved and passed unanimously that the quorum for the Disability advisory Council be set at b. The meeting was adjourned at 1: b0. DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13 , 1990 PRESENT: Kuhn, Merritt, Pogson, Thurston, Farmer, Lloyd, Farruggio, Yale (liaison) , Golder (liaison) ABSENT: Reynolds, Sams, Logan, Franco, Ferrell Brenda (Vice Chair) called the meeting to order at 7 : 05 p.m. INTRODUCTIONS Everyone introduged themselves for those who were not present at the October meeting. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES October's minutes will be approved at the December meeting. MEETING DATES Meetings for the DAC will be held on the third Wednesday of every month. Those not able to make the monthly meetings can work on committees for the DAC. Our next meeting will be December 19, from 7:00 - 9 :00 p.m. , in the Conference Room on the 2nd floor. Richie suggested we meet at FLIC so coffee and refreshments could be served. TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND DAC EXPENSES Richie contacted Judy Willis at Gadabout to see if they could provide transportation for those members living outside the city, it will cost between $30 - $40 a month. Richie will call Gadabout again to see if transportation can be provided and the actual cost. Brenda will contact Irene for cost of getting an interpreter who could come to the DAC meetings when it is necessary. Once this information is compiled Neil will present it to the Common Council meeting to see if the city can cover these expenses under their budget. We also discussed that members would work among themselves to find rides to and from the meetings. TDD INFORMATION There is an emergency number for the Fire Department, but the Police Department and Sheriff's Department does not have an emergency number. Richie will call the Ithaca Journal to see if they will publish the TDD emergency number for the county. OUTREACH COMMITTEE REPORT Richie and John investigated the possibility of having a TV and a radio show to publicize the DAC. One problem they found was where they were going to find the people to interview for the shows to continue on a regular bases. Also costs and time was another concern. Andy suggested that we do a phone-in question and answer show on accessible buildings . The committee decided now was not a good time to do such a project. Another idea was to write a letter to-the-editor explaining who the DAC is, our box number at City Hall and what our purpose is. Sherry will contact Ray to see if he will put this letter together for the Council . Another option to inform the community about the DAC is by sending an article to already existing newsletters in the community. Brenda will get the names and address of these support groups. Sherry will write a PSA about the DAC, its box number and Ray's phone number. Neil also mentioned the best way to get the word out about the DAC is by personal contacts. AUTOMATIC DOORS AT CITY HALL The automatic doors at City Hall have been investigated. It was found that City Hall will need two automatic doors which will cost $4 ,000 - $5,000 . Brenda, who also serves on the Affirmative Action Committee, has approached the committee regarding the 1985 Accessibility Study done by Carol Chock. Sherry will meet with Brenda and Richie to review this study. Andy suggested that if a person was having accessibility problems with a building, they could file a grievance. It would be a lengthy procedure but it would only take one grievance and all the other departments would take notice. NEW BUSINESS AUTOMATIC DOORS It was discussed whether or not the DAC or FLIC should act upon the situation with the automatic doors at the Biggs Building B complex. The final decision was that Brenda would check to see if it has been budgeted, and, if so, FLIC would handle the project. If it is not budgeted, then the DAC would make a decision to get involved and take this on as a project. CITY PARKS COMMISSION A report on the CPC meetings was presented to the DAC. Much discussion took place as to whether or not the DAC or disabled people should be represented on the CPC. At this time there is no input by the disabled in making our parks more accessible recreationally not just accessible. The DAC decided to have Ray draft a letter to the CPC asking if we can be part of the review process . MAYORS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE 1985 ACCESSIBILITY STUDY Brenda reported that she talked to the Mayor about the 1985 Accessibility Study and asked who she --should talk to, how much was actually done and whether the DAC should become involved with the follow-up with the study. It was suggested that we form a work group to see how much was actually done and why some of the things were not accomplished. Sherry will be meeting with Brenda with information she has on the study. PARKING The parking space next to City Hall may be available to the DAC if we request this in writing. Brenda will contact Ray to see if he will draft a letter with this information. SNOW REMOVAL The DAC now is in a good position to get the DPW to remove snow from the sidewalks and curb cuts. It was suggested that a person in a wheelchair show someone from the DPW how difficult it is to travel in snow covered and icy sidewalks and curb cuts. Jon is willing to police the downtown area occasionally during the winter months to see if the sidewalks and curb cuts are being cleaned off properly. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. f i DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL December 19, 1990 PRESENT: Reynolds, Kuhn, Farruggio, Pogson, Farrell , Binta-Lloyd Sams, Franco, Farmer, Logan Guests: Larry Roberts, Dick Buckingham, Martha Fisher (Sign Language Interpreter) ABSENT: Thurston, Merritt, Clair (liason) , Yale (liason) , Golder (liason) , Conners (liason) The meeting was opened at 7:05PM OLD BUSINESS: Approval of Minutes: LeMoyne Farrell noted that she had been recorded as absent at the November meeting, and she was present. The minutes were passed as amended. Meeting Time for the DAC: Thursday evenings appeared to be the best time for most members. A motion was made and passed that January 's meeting be set for the third Thursday of the month (17th) from 7 to 9pm at City Hall , Second Floor Conference room. It was noted that a regular meeting time needed to be established for advertising purposes. This decision will be made at the January meeting. Transportation: Judy Willis, Director of Gadabout paratransit service, will be speaking at the January Finger Lakes Independence Center board meeting. Members of DAC were encouraged to attend. LeMoyne Farrell volunteered to go and report back. Ray Reynolds stated that he is on the Gadabout Service Committee, and will inquire about evening hours at their next meeting. Outreach. Brenda Kuhn read Jon Merritt 's Public Service Announcment to the group. Dick: Buckingham and LeMoyne had some suggestions. These will be referred to Jon. Ray has sent an announcment of DAC meetings to the Ithaca Journal and is working on an article for that newspaper. Sherry Thurston has sent PSAs to local support groups and agencies that work with disabled individuals. LeMoyne suggested including veterans groups and senior citizens organizations on our mailing list. Everyone agreed with Diane Sams ' idea that the first half hour of the meeting be given to community speak-out, that a limit of three to five minutes speaking time be established, and no discussion of the issues raised be taken until a further time. This decision will be pulicized through the PSAs and articles. Funding for DAC Activities; The DAC's current expenses include signing interpreter services and transportation cost through Gadabout. Richie Farruggio will research projected Gadabout expenditures. Brenda will gather information on interpreter costs. This will be pased on to Ray who will draw up a formal budget to present to the City. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) update: Dick: Buckingham reported on his ten year history with setting up a TDD at the county emergency phone number and at Tompkins Community Hospital . The emergency number has one and is using it. This is noted on the inside cover of the phone book , but needs to be better publicized. The hospital has one but is not using it. Dick said he would train people if necessary. LeMoyne reported from her call to the Fire Department that TDD availability will be publicized on the new Emergency Number stickers. Ray stated that neither the County Sheriff 's office nor the Ithaca City Police Department have TDDs. Dick responded that he will speak with Emery Guest, sheriff and Harlin McEwen , police chief and report back. The state polic E300 number is TDD equipped but is difficult to use. Automatic Doors for City Hall : After a DAC request made to the City 's Budget and Admin- istration Committee, automatic doors were included in the Dept. of Public Works budget. Brenda and Richie reported on a meeting with Jim Miller , head of Streets and Facilities. Three doors will be made accessible in the Spring. Additional Handicapped Parking Space at City Hall : Ray had written the Mayor requesting an additional space. A reply from Bill Gray, acting Superintendent for the DPW, was read. It stated that the space was not available. Ray suggested that DAC send a delegation to a BPW meeting to address this issue. New Business: Snow and Ice Removal : The subject of better snow and ice removal from city sidewalks and curb cuts will be adressed at the BPW meetting by the delegetion of Carol Franco, Jon Merritt, and Brenda Kuhn. This group will attend the BPW's January ninth assembly and report back. S.H,A. P.E. Ray and LeMoyne Volunteered to contact the Sheriff 's Hand- icapped Ambulatory Parking Enforcment (S.H.A. P. E. ) in Oswego County and report back. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.