Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities

Hampton Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes for November 9, 2023, Meeting Members Present Liaisons Present Ellen Shackelford Shaeron King Vivian Austin Marie Giles Tyrell Mullens Rev. Anderson Guests Venezia Jimenez Taiub Mohammad Dora Parker Jimenez Shirley Nettles Gwendolyn Burnett Karl Daughtrey Brittany Abbott Cheran Ivery Mayor Tuck was in attendance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Ellen Shackelford. Each member, liaison and guest stated their name. The meeting started with the City Attorney, Ms. Ivery, explaining the criteria and plan for the financial distribution to get our grant program in place. Mr. Mohammad will be the point of contact in the City Manager’s Office. He will get everything electronically set so that the request applications will be completed online. This is expected to go live in January 2024. A subcommittee will be established to review the applications for completeness and then brought to the full committee for discussion and consideration for approval. Rev. Anderson and Vivian Austin volunteered to be on the subcommittee that will review the applications for grant funding. Page 1 of 5 At our last meeting we were presented with the option of having the Budget department lend their financial expertise to the committee. Ms. Ivery arranged for Mr. Karl Daughtrey, the Finance Director, and Ms. Brittany Abbott to attend. They presented a power point detailing what they could offer as our Fiscal Agent. This would include the following:  Cash Management  Invoicing  Vendor Payment Processing  Financial Statement Preparation  Audit Coordination After asking questions and getting clarity on the specific assistance the Finance department would provide, the committee discussed this possibility, and it was moved and seconded that we partner with and accept the Finance Department’s offer to be our Fiscal Agent. The treasurer’s report for October 2023 was read and approved by the committee. Liaison Reports Shaeron King, Parks and Recreation: Halloween Dance was held on Oct.21, 2023, with 50 participants. The DJ shared his 360 Photo Booth for free. The next dance will be February 10, 2024, and the theme will be Mardi Gras. On November 4th and 5th, Special Olympics participated in the Fall Championships. They were in Unified Bowling and Pickleball. The teams earned 1 gold medal, 3 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal. Our very own Venezia Jimenez won a bronze medal. On Saturdays, they will have half-court basketball practice at Northampton Community Center and full court basketball practice at Fort Monroe. Registration for Winter Break Camp will begin on November 15th online. Camp will be held December 18th through December 29th; however, camp will be closed on Dec. 22nd and Dec. 25th. Because of the holiday travel plans, parents will be able to pay for one day. Page 2 of 5 Marie Giles, representing Kimberly Judge, Director of Special Education, Hampton City Schools Ms. Giles gave an update on Hampton City Schools. They are fully staffed with Special Education teachers. The Special Education Department is intentional about collaboration with the community and the transition services for our students with disabilities. Currently, a membership drive is being held for the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). Actively involved parents/guardians are invited to apply. Have them contact Hampton City Schools, Special Education Department at 757-727-2400 for an application. We have a new School Superintendent, Dr. Hayes. Each Thursday, listen on any podcast format to hear HCS Talks. On November 11, 2023, the Virginia Air and Space Center will host STEM QUEST 2023 at 4:00-8:00 PM. It will be an adventure into the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Register at https://eventbrite.com/e/stem-quest-2023-tickets- 734467561247[eventbrite.com] At this time, the October minutes were accepted as written. Subcommittees Accessibility: The Accessibility Guide is being redone. The last edition was completed in 2016. Members of the committee will canvas sections of Hampton to see if places are assessable for people with all disabilities. Several members volunteered to help. Vice Chairperson, Debbie Apperson will visit the Buckroe Beach area to assess the usage or lack of Mobi Mats as well as compliance of the businesses. It was suggested we get in touch with Glenn Oder, the Executive Director for Ft Monroe to see if they fall under Hampton City or the National Park Service. As the committee is canvasing these areas, we will be looking for appropriate signage, door openers, curb cutouts, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and more. A list will be generated so we know what to look for. This review will be completed for new and existing buildings. Transportation: Hampton Roads Transit Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities meeting held October 11, 2023. Concerns expressed:  Riders not being picked up on time  Riders being left resulting in finding their own way back Page 3 of 5 Answers to questions asked:  Once a credit card is on file, it is considered a default payment  Fares must be collected regardless of arrival time (late or on time)  If a rider chooses alternate transportation, it is their responsibility  Still working to hire more drivers  Continue trying to secure a person from HRTC to attend the Mayor’s Committee meeting as a guest speaker  Next HRTC meeting, December 13. 2023 at 1:00 pm Publicity: Update on the newsletter from Rev. Anderson  Working on the design of the Facebook page  Submit articles and information by the 25th of each month to wmeandersr@gmail.com  Goal is to have newsletter formatted and online by the 5th of the next month  Any articles or information for submission, please address to the Committee Chairperson, Ellen Shackelford, as well Rev. Anderson  Need a current e-mail address for all members and any agencies they are involved with  The Mayor’s Committee can post daily, weekly or monthly through a submission to Marketing (Ms. Canty)  Target for submissions is January 2024  The Facebook page title will be Hampton Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities spelled out Legislation: A discussion was held concerning the National Council for Independent Living Conference held in Washington D.C. each July. In previous years, members of the committee were sponsored to attend to gather information to bring back to Hampton Roads. When we get conference information for 2024, we need to consider sending someone to represent the committee. This will support our ability to inform the community about new laws and changes for people with disabilities. Page 4 of 5 Education: One of the goals of this subcommittee is to inform the community of news and information for people with disabilities by attending community activities. Some suggestions were:  SEAC conference  Disability Awareness Day  Any public activity where we can disseminate information  HoliDays Parade- revisit for December 2024 New Business: Develop a list of items to give to the community.  Brochures  Copy of community resources  Promotional items with the Mayor’s Committee information on it We have received 6 applications from people interested in serving on the Mayor’s Committee. There will be no meeting in December. Our next meeting will be January 11, 2024. The meeting was adjourned at 4:23 PM Page 5 of 5