Minutes
Winthrop Commission On Disabilities · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 77 KB
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Winthrop Commission on Disability MINUTES Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Commission Members In Attendance: John Morgan Andrew Carr Karla Murphy Nancy Tufo Susan Smith Hannah Belcher Public: Karin Chavis (Citizen Finance Committee) 1. Roll call 2. Approval of Minutes: November 2024 minutes will be revised and approved at the next meeting 3. MOD Grant The grant for $225,000 was included in the Town Manager ’ s report There is some confusion about the status of the grant, with some members unsure if the contract had been signed or if the construction at the library had begun before the contract was signed. The team agreed to try to contact the assistant town manager to clarify the situation. Hannah will get the assistant TM ’ s number for Karla WCOD would like to stay involved throughout the process in an advisory role 4. ADA Compliance Jeff Dougan of MOD will attend the January meeting virtually to discuss the role of the ADA Coordinator, modifications, accommodations, grievance procedures, and website accessibility. Members expressed concerns about the town's website accessibility and the need for a list of recommendations for Tony's office regarding the website and other compliance issues which then can be forwarded to Tony Marino (ADA Coordinator) The commission also discussed the importance of promoting accessibility standards and practices, suggesting that the commission should be instrumental in this regard Some questions to pose to Jeff include: lead time for requesting an accommodation; and website accessibility standards. Members who are unable to attend should forward any questions to Karla After the January meeting, WCOD should assemble a list of recommendations for our ADA Coordinator 5. CODA John attended the December meeting There was discussion about lack of ballots in Braille in many towns In Winthrop, there is a booth for ADA compliance, but no one was sure of what supports were provided There was also discussion about electronic bracelets used to locate missing individuals, especially those who bolt or wander “ R ” from CODA has info for CODA members about the bracelets; Karla will request that info from R (UPDATE: Karla emailed R and requested info) It would be helpful for WCOD to understand the support the police/town offers to individuals with disabilities, particularly those with mental health issues; a CLEAR team exists to support people in that area John will invite Meredith Hurley from the Winthrop Dept of Public Health to speak about the supports available in Winthrop (UPDATE: Meredith is scheduled for WCOD February meeting) Once WCOD receives info about the electronic bracelets, there is a possibility that the commission can distribute some depending on the cost The next CODA meeting is scheduled for January 8 th from 12 to 1:30; Zoom link info is available from Karla 6. Community Access Monitor (CAM) Training by MOD MOD program trains participants to survey buildings for accessibility and to advocate for compliance with various rules and regulations; training is 10 hours over 2 days Training is offered in March and May; Karla, John, Nancy and Susan will register for the March training and Hannah will register for the May training Upon completion, WCOD members can conduct accessibility surveys accompanied by students and community residents 7. Improving Accessibility Discussed use of grass/breach mats: this could be recommended as part of the Accessibility Survey completed after CAM training Members suggested the possibility of Zoom being added to the senior center and the library and proposed reaching out to Matt Rodes, the director of the senior center, to discuss the possibility of using 22G funds or finding a grant 8. ADA Anniversary Event Members discussed the anniversary event; planning can be in full committee Begin planning at the February meeting Andrew will contact Desi Forte from Easter Seals about doing a presentation on the history of disability at the event Wine and cheese---select venue — library? Reach out to Greg to coordinate the event with the completion of library building projects 9. Speaker Series Karla will design flyers for the two presentations offered through BCIL M arch: Transitioning to Adulthood (evening); coordinate with Brian Donnelley of the Life Skills Program and hold the event at the high school April: Staying in Your Home (afternoon — 1 p.m.); at the Senior Center Susan will choose dates in those months and WCOD then can confirm with the high school and senior center NEXT MEETING: January 8, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Karla Murphy