Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes August 6, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Raymond DeBlasio, Lisa Harrison, Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, and Kevin Harkins Absent: Lottie Scott Call to Order: The special meeting of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:00 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Welcome New Commissioner George Chaput: Committee members welcomed and introduced themselves to George Chaput. George is a Norwich resident who formally volunteered for the Vet Center for over 20 years. Currently he does a great deal of volunteer work, including leading several meditation groups. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Kevin, seconded by Joanne, the minutes from the previous meetings on July 2, 2015 were unanimously approved as produced. Old Business: Available funds for ramp from Disability Network – Jane has continued to have email conversation with Sharon Heddle of the Disability Network of Eastern Connecticut regarding the construction of new ramps. Jane will follow up with Sharon before the next meeting. There is still $10,000 available for ramps. The committee anticipates $15,000 for chair lifts as well. Raymond and Jane will make some calls regarding the actual cost of ramps and chair lifts. New Trash and Recycling Receptacles – The new receptacles have created a few challenges for persons with mobile disabilities. Cynthia stated that the new receptacles can sometimes knock her off balance. She has to use her walker for balance prior to using the containers. However, once a person learns to use it, the task becomes easier. New Business: Disabled Persons Access Problems - Jane shared an article about the number of adults with disabilities. The article focused on one wheelchair-bound woman talking about the experiences and challenges faced by persons with mobile disabilities in a city setting. The article stated that 1 in 5 adults have some type of disability and offered tips for accessible travel. Jane will bring in copies for distribution at the next meeting. The committee discussed the construction of new sidewalks in various parts of Norwich. Cynthia stated that grass, weeds and huge bushes which obstruct the sidewalk has caused some access problems for people with wheelchairs or scooters. Mike affirmed that the Public Works Department is very responsive to fixing issues concerning persons with disabilities. George wrote a letter to the Otis Library concerning the partial accessibility for persons with disabilities. There is only one set of power doors which makes it difficult for easy entrance and exit. Mike stated that the library administration is aware of the limitation and Bob Farwell is setting up an action plan to correct it. George also suggested the person in charge of the Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) come to a future meeting as a guest speaker to talk with the committee about service animals. His suggestion led to a discussion about sponsoring events open to the general public during October which is Disabilities Awareness month. He will make contact with the person in charge of ECAD prior to the next meeting. George brought up the issue of a massive hole in the one of the sidewalks on Fanning Avenue. He stated the size of the whole was big enough for a small child to fall into. He and other residents have made numerous complaints to city officials but with no success. He will take pictures of the hole to send to Mike before the next meeting. Committee members discussed lack of proper seating throughout the city. This matter affects both disabled and able-bodied people. Joanne suggested using the Norwich Tech students to build the benches and asking the Public Works Department to assist in putting the benches in diverse parts of the city. Before the next meeting Mike will call city officials to inquire about the benches and a possible transition plan for the city. Adjournment: On a motion from Joanne, seconded by Raymond, the meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm. The next special meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke