Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes November 2nd, 2017 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, Cynthia Litton, Kevin Harkins, Janelle Daly, Elanah Sherman, and Jane O’Friel Absent: Lottie Scott Others Present: Kim Rogers, Victoria Daniels Call to Order: Chair Michael Menders called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (6/7). Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Cynthia, seconded by Jane, the minutes from the September 7th, 2017 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Guest Speaker, Victoria Daniels: Victoria Daniels the Department Administrator for the City of Norwich’s Recreation Department. She shared how the recreation department provides programing for persons with disabilities including Bingo nights, Movie Nights, Dances, and Art classes. Victoria wants commentary on how to make programs more inclusive. Kim, an employee of Ark of New London, says the easiest way to receive help and accommodations is to go through their case worker. Jane shared how schools are responsible for children with disabilities and they cannot receive a caseworker until they finish school. Victoria is reaching out to different agencies throughout Norwich to create programs, and find resources for those with disabilities. She is deeply concerned with how to make programs more open and accommodating to those with disabilities They will try to make as many reasonable accommodations as possible but they are limited by budget constraints. The commission discussed how government employees cannot tell someone with disabilities that they cannot participate in a program without trying to negotiate ways to find reasonable modifications of policy. The commission then discussed how under the ADA guidelines ‘reasonable accommodations’ are only cover employment and education. Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): No changes. Review final draft of the Effective Communication Plan: The effective communication plan is in final review. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Issues: Michael requests that commissioners attend the December meeting to discuss the final report of the commissions progress and success during 2017. Jane wants the commission to consider sponsoring an event, with guest speakers. Adjournment: On a motion from Kevin, seconded by Jane, the meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, December 7th, 2017 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes Written by Ivery Stakley on November 2nd, 2017