Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes March 1, 2018 6:00 PM Present: Chair Elanah Sherman, Kevin Harkins, Jane O’Friel Absent: Janelle Daly, Cynthia Litton, Lottie Scott Others present: Brigid Marks (Norwich ADA Coordinator), Joe DeLucia (City Council Member) Call to Order: Chair Elanah Sherman called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was not present but that the meeting would continue. Approval of Minutes: N/A Citizen Comments: Joe DeLucia said that members of the Council would be attending board and commission meetings on an occasional basis to learn of goals and activities. Much of meeting was devoted to updating Joe and explaining goals. Communications: None Guest Speaker, Julie Menders, Otis Library Community Engagement and Programming Coordinator: Julie opened by quoting the Library’s motto: “Free and open access to all.” She said that a priority is ensuing accessibility to people with disabilities, including those who are unable to leave their homes often. To meet these goals, the Library offers a home delivery service and provides a magnified reader on site; the Library website is also accessible, providing text-to-voice capacity and other features. In addition, the Library circulates audio books and large-print volumes. Julie distributed brochures describing Otis services. Old Business Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): No changes. Review final draft of the Effective Communication Plan: The commission reviewed and updated the effective communication plan. Commission Vacancies: No changes. New Business Disability Awareness Week: Members discussed ideas for such an event, including poetry, music, ADA education, and voting rights. Otis would be a prospective partner, as well as the City. Letter to John Salomone: Elanah agreed to email the letter, which was approved by a majority of members via email during the previous month. The letter commends Brigid in her role as City ADA Coordinator. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. The next meeting will be at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes written and submitted by Ivery Stakely on March 1st, 2018; revised and re-submitted by Elanah Sherman on March 9, 2018.