Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes July 11 2019, Room 319 6:00 PM Present: Chair Elanah Sherman, Cynthia Litton, Julie Menders, Barbara Stigar Excused absences: Kevin Harkins, Kevin Saythany Unexcused absences: Mark Marcy, Laurie Messore Others Present: Amy Dudek and Karla McElroy Call to Order: Elanah called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (4/8) Approval of Minutes: On a motion from Cyndi, seconded by Julie, the June 2019 Meeting Minutes were unanimously approved as presented. Citizen Comments: Amy Dudek expressed interest in the Commission’s work. Amy is a staff member at Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut (DNEC). She is interested in participating in the charging stations issue. Communications: None. Old Business Westgate Shopping Center: No update Brown Park: Cyndi agreed to participate in a review of the remediation. Elanah will arrange a visit with Teresa from DPW. Upcoming Norwich Census: Cyndi testified on June 17 in support of the formation of the City’s census committee. The resolution to establish the committee passed. Charging Stations: Chris Riley posted a notice on Facebook requesting comment on the installation of charging stations. Julie will continue doing research on libraries in CT and nationally that host these stations on-site. Amy Dudek will request that her employer, DNEC, assist in the organization of at least one focus group made up of users of motorized mobility equipment. Elanah will apprise Chris Riley of NPU that we will be organizing these groups. Disability Awareness Week: Janet Hawkins Update: DNEC has agreed to co-sponsor a presentation by Stuart Hawkins on public benefits for people with disabilities. DNEC will host.  Other Confirmed Activities: Panel discussion on ADA Title I, including presentation by staff from CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; voting rights presentation on Stu Breyer radio show; Otis book discussion group on Molly McCully Brown’s book of poetry, “The Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded;” one-day booth in Otis atrium with information from area organizations. A complete calendar, with times and locations, will be presented at the August meeting. Last Green Valley (LGV): This group, which organizes Walktober, reached out to Elanah about the Commission co-sponsoring a stroll for people with mobility disabilities in either downtown Norwich or on the Willimantic section of the Airline Trail. The stroll would take place during Disability Awareness Week. The primary goal of the activity is to introduce participants to the slope measurement technology used by LGV. Both Amy Dudek and Elanah have participated in these walks previously and have reservations about how they are organized and promoted. Elanah will have more conversations with LGV and report back in August. (Commission members agreed that an Airline stroll would be preferable to one in Norwich.) Disability Pride Parade Idea: Cyndi brought up the idea of having a Disability Pride Parade this October to bring more awareness and visibility to people with disabilities. After some discussion about cost, time constraints and other complications, Cyndi suggested as an alternative an activity that would address stigma. Elanah said she would ask Melissa Marshall if she would conduct a disability sensitivity session. New Business Possible New Meeting Time: Members agreed to table this issue until November. CHRO Request: Elanah reported that CHRO asked to be referenced on the Commission’s brochure. Members authorized Elanah to make this revision. Adjournment On a motion from Barbara, seconded by Cyndi, the meeting unanimously adjourned at 7:15 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, August 1st, 2019 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes written by Ivery Stakley; revised by Elanah Sherman