Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for the Disabled Meeting Minutes May 7, 2015 6:00 PM Members Present: Raymond DeBlasio, Kevin Harkins, Lisa Harrison, Deb Hinchey, Cynthia Litton, Brigid Marks, Michael Menders, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, Elanah Sherman, and Lottie Scott Members Absent: Michael Driscoll and Brittany Woodward Call to Order: The regular meeting of the Commission for the Disabled was called to order at 6:00 pm by Deb Hinchey, Mayor and organizer of the committee. Greetings by Mayor Deberey Hinchey: Mayor Hinchey began with introductions of all committee members present. The Commission for the Disabled is a benefit from a body to enlighten or bring attention to the needs or issues with regards to disabilities. Election of Officers: The committee opted to wait until after the training session to elect officers. Guest Speaker - Elanah Sherman, Chairman of the Greater Norwich Cultural Alliance: Elanah provided a training session on the fundamentals of Title II of the Americans with Disabilites Act. Elanah offered to come back to train on other issues, such as voting rights, if the Commission requests. (**See links and ADA document provided for the training below the meeting minutes**) Meeting Schedule: The next meeting for the Commission for the Disabled will be at 6pm on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Adjournment: On a motion from Michael, seconded by Lisa, the meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm. ADA on a Page Title II: State and Local Governments 1) Facilities Access a. Program Access (applies to buildings constructed by or before January 26, 1992). Every program and service must be accessible, but every structure need not necessarily be accessible. The ruling principle is “move it” (to an accessible location). Structural modifications may be required if such is the only way to obtain access to services and programs. b. Comprehensive Access (applies to construction built after January 26, 1992). Buildings must offer comprehensive structural access that includes such features as path of travel, doorway clearance, bathrooms, etc. c. Historic Exemption. Designated historic buildings are exempt from having to conduct modifications that would alter the historic integrity of the structure. However, these entities are required to determine if any modifications may be made without  compromising historic features. If structural modifications cannot be made without damaging historic features, entities must consider alternatives, like video of a historic house museum interior. 2) Effective Communication The effective communication requirement mandates provision of auxiliary aids and services for people who have sensory or speech impairments. Examples: a. Written material in large print or Braille; b. Sign language interpretation or an assistive listening system; c. Material on CD or flash drive. Title II entities have an especially high obligation, called primary consideration, to provide the specific aid or service that a person has requested. 3) General non-discrimination obligations These obligations address policy and practice. They include: a. Reasonable policy modification; b. Integration of programs; c. Prohibition against screening out participation of people with disabilities; d. Prohibition against the imposition of surcharges for compliance. Defenses: Undue burden; fundamental alteration of program; direct threat to others. Note: This summary does not include a description of the administrative requirements (self- evaluation; transition plan; posting of compliance notice; designation of ADA coordinator; and ADA grievance procedure) required of most State and local governmental entities.) Links: http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm http://www.ada.gov/comprob.htm http://www.newenglandada.org/sites/default/files/ADA%20Title%20II%20Action%20Guide.pdf http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm https://askjan.org/Erguide/ErGuide.pdf https://askjan.org http://www.newenglandada.org/publications (The above is a link to a publication list.) Marissa Clarke 5/9/2015