Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2016 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Raymond DeBlasio, Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, George Chaput, and Kevin Harkins Absent: Lottie Scott and Lisa Harrison Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Kevin, seconded by George, the minutes from the previous meeting on March 3, 2016 were approved as produced. On a motion made by Ray, seconded by Kevin, the minutes from the previous meeting on April 7, 2016 were approved as produced. Citizen Comments: No citizen comments were made. Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to DPW – George mentioned the sidewalk on the left side of Fanning Avenue, at the corner of Washington Street and Fanning Avenue is in very poor condition and needs replacement. Mike asked the commissioners to note actual addresses when making future observations. City Transition Plan – Mike shared the letter to the Mayor recommending an updated transition plan or ADA compliance survey. The commissioners suggested making a recommendation to re-evaluate the 1993 Transition Plan. Program Opportunity for Public Awareness – On Saturday June 25, 2016 the CPD will host a Community Informational Program at Otis Library from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. This program will give the commissioners the opportunity to share its mission with residents and members of the community. Mike stated that he will attend the next City Council meeting and invite Council members to attend the information session. Effective Communication Policy and Manual – Elanah Sherman educated the commissioners on the City’s ADA Effective Communication Policy and Manual. She answered any questions that arose, helping the group to better understand how the manual functions currently as well as items that should be in the manual to help it function better. The four elements suggested were time periods, visual disability, communicating with a person with multiple disabilities, and obtaining a qualified sign language interpretor. New Business: No discussion. Adjournment: On a motion from Kevin, seconded by George, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. The next meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319.