HomeMy WebLinkAboutDisMinutes_2010_03_26Brookings Committee for People who have Disabilities
March 26, 2010
A meeting of the Brookings Committee for People who have Disabilities was held at 2:00 p.m. on
Friday, March 26, 2010 in the Brookings City Hall with the following members present: Dave
Miller, Nancy Hartenhoff-Crooks, Kathy Heylens, Lonnie Bayer, Kim Lindell, Alan Davis and Jeff
Vostad, Dona Kornbaum, Dave Bertelson and Jessie Kuechenmeister. Absent: Kurt Cogswell.
Shari Thornes was also present
Miller called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the committee was scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2010 at
2:00 p.m.
AGENDA: Updates on the election polling locations, Post Office accessibility, city/county
administration project and the city website were added to the agenda under the City ADA
Coordinator’s Report. The agenda was adopted as amended.
MINUTES: The January and February minutes were approved as printed.
Special meeting with architect on Nature Park. Thornes reported that the architect hired to design
the new nature park will be meeting with interested parties the week of April 5-8. The architect
has requested a meeting with the committee to provide an overview of the project and gather
input about accessibility concerns and ideas before starting on the conceptual design. The nature
park will include a trail system, lakes, fishing piers, a floating dock, shoreline activities, water
activities and environmental classroom activities. The committee will review the draft conceptual
masterplan during the first week in June and the final plan in August this year.
Thornes has requested copies of the US Access Board publications on boating facilities and fishing
piers and platforms for all the members. Hartenhoff-Crooks suggested mailing copies to the
architect prior to the April meeting.
The information used in for last year’s bike trail review will also be helpful for this project.
2010 ADA Anniversary Celebration Plans. “The 2010 by 2010 Campaign's goal is to collect 2010
"Proclamations of Recommitment" to the mission of the ADA by the 20th anniversary of the ADA--
July 26, 2010. Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a recommitment to
vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities into
American life!”
Suggested activities on the 2010 by 2010 website included the following:
Accessibility & Program Access
Appoint an ADA Coordinator.
Re-evaluate and update existing transition plans.
Survey websites for accessibility and prioritize web pages to be updated based on use and content.
Create focus groups/panels of people with disabilities to provide feedback on accessibility and program
access issues.
Assess pedestrian access and identify need areas.
Commit to providing playgrounds that meet ADA compliance guidelines.
Provide effective communication such as interpreters at all large events or public meetings.
Training/Technical Assistance
Send staff to ADA related workshops and conferences such as the National ADA Symposium.
Utilize the ADA Network for training and technical assistance. 1-800-949-4232
Participate in on-line courses, audio-conferences, and podcasts.
Conduct in-house training on ADA issues on a regular basis.
Disability Awareness Events
Host a wheelchair basketball game or wheelchair races.
Exhibit works by artists with disabilities.
Sponsor a disability awareness poster contest.
Demonstrate the use of assistive devices at a community event.
The Committee discussed sponsoring an ice cream social at the last band concert on July 25th.
They’ve sponsored this event in the past, but more committee involvement was needed. A
significant advantage of this event is that there’s an opportunity to reach a large number of people.
The Committee will make a final decision on this project at its April meeting.
Other action steps:
The Mayor could be asked to speak at the beginning of the concert.
Requesting freebies from DBTAC to give away was also suggested.
Thornes will locate the Committee’s banner.
Brookings Summer Arts Festival Accessibility. Last year concern the Committee had concerns
that the accessible lots were full and van designated spaces were needed. Thornes and
Kuechenmeister will try to meet the Arts Festival leadership before the next meeting.
Review of Committee Mission Statement and proposed amendment. Cogswell proposed the
following mission statement change for committee review and possible action: “Mission
Statement - The members of the committee serve as We advocates for the rights of people in
our community who have disabilities. Throughout the year, specific events are held to bring
awareness and information to our citizens. Technical assistance is provided to the busi ness
community, private individuals, governmental entities, and non -profit organizations. This is a
service not provided by any other entity in Brookings.” A motion was made by Vostad,
seconded by Bayer, to approve as proposed. All present voted yes; motion carried.
PROJECT & ISSUE UPDATES:
Barrier Awareness Days Wrap-Up. Heylens reported that this year’s event went very well. The
FCCLA students did a great job working with the third graders. The only problem they had was
finding a way to explain a learning disability to the students. The Committee asked if the Mayor
could send a thank you letter to Mrs. Dunbar and her students again this year.
Draft Myths & Facts Brochure. Lindell distributed the following information for a new committee
brochure. The Committee suggested checking with DBTAC for design and graphics ideas.
The group also talked about sponsoring 20 ads featuring the top “20 ADA myths and facts” leading
up to the 20th anniversary of the ADA (7/26). Dave Miller will try to secure a financial sponsor.
Lindell and Bayer will select 20 myths and facts for the project.
Etiquette and People First Language
If they have a companion – speak directly to the person, assume they will be able to communicate with you
If someone appears to need assistance - offer help and do not give assistance unless your offer is accepted
Not all people with the same disability need the same help – don’t assume they will
If talking to someone in a wheelchair try to sit at eye level to talk with them if possible and appropriate
Do not talk down to someone with a disability – they are not children
A physical disability does not mean that a person has a mental disability, assume the person is a mentally
alert person
Hearing impairment – speak clearly and distinctly – don’t exaggerate volume or pitch unless asked to by
the person
Visual impairment – loss of sight does not effect hearing, it is ok to use, “look,” “see,” or “blind,” do not
pet a guide animal unless you ask for permission
Physical impairments – always offer assistance and wait for a reply before acting, ask the person to repeat
what they said if you didn’t understand it
Mental Impairment – do not underestimate abilities, speak directly to the person and not down to them, do
not talk about the person to another person in front of them, be patient
Learning Disabilities – visual or auditory perception may be confused this does not mean they have a
mental impairment or behavior problems
Seizures – if they start to fall try to block the fall to minimize injury, move objects out of the way once they
are on the floor, place a shirt or sweater under their head, do not attempt to hold limbs down or put
anything in their mouth, turn head gently towards the side if possible, allow the person to rest after the
seizure if need be
Instead of: the blind Use: a person who is blind or visually impaired
Instead of: suffers a hearing loss Use: person who is deaf, a person who is hearing impaired
Instead of: retarded, mentally defective Use: a person with mental retardation or cognitive impairment
Instead of: epileptic Use: a person with epilepsy or a seizure disorder
Instead of: normal person Use: a non-disabled person
Instead of: cripple, lame or deformed Use: physically disabled
Instead of: dumb, mute Use: unable to speak or non -verbal
Avoid asking personal questions about someone’s disability. If you must ask, be sensitive and show
respect. Don’t probe if they decline to discuss it or seem uncomfortable. (there ma y be an exception for
children as they are naturally curious and many people with disabilities do not mind if a child asks them
questions)
Be considerate and patient if it takes them more time to do or say something
Be sensitive about physical contact. Equipment that may be used is considered a part of their personal
space. A person with a disability may use different means to balance or move that you are unaware of and
your idea of helping may make it harder for them.
Talk to a person with a disability the same way you would talk to anyone else.
Instead of: dwarf of midget Use: a person of short stature
Instead of: Emotionally disturbed Use: a person with an emotional disability
Instead of: Brain damaged Use: Brain injury
Instead of: handicapped parking Use: accessible parking
Instead of: special needs, consider their needs are normal to them and ordinary
Instead of: describing what the person has Use: what the person IS
Use common sense and extend the same courtesies to everyone
Relax and be yourself
A person with a disability is not a condition or a disease, they are a person
A Disability is a condition caused by an accident, trauma, genetics or disease, which may limit a
person's mobility, hearing, vision, speech or mental function. Some people with disabilities have
one or more disabilities.
A Handicap is a physical or attitudinal constraint that is imposed upon a person, regardless of
whether that person has a disability. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines handi cap
as to put at a disadvantage.
MYTH FACT
People who are cognitively
impaired do not have the same
feelings or emotional needs as
people who are not impaired
There is nothing unusual about their feelings or emotional needs
Cognitively impaired persons
cannot understand work
directions, work independently
or take reprimands
appropriately.
Complex tasks can be learned but may need to be broken down. In
general people with cognitive impairments have less absenteeism, value
their jobs, have below averages of quitting, have less tardiness, have
fewer accidents, have average ratings for speak, endurance and task
completion.
My insurance rate as an
employer will increase and I
can’t afford to pay more.
The rate is based on the kind of industry the company is and prior
accident history.
I don’t want to pay for their
prior work injury.
An employer is only responsible for the injury sustained during present
employment, not for prior injuries
I don’t think a person with a
disability can be as productive
and I am afraid they will be
gone from work more than an
employee that does not have a
disability.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows no difference between people
with a disability and non-disabled workers in those areas. The only
differences ever seen have favored people with disabilities.
It is a complaint when someone
asks for an accommodation at
my business
It is actually a compliment that they feel comfortable enough with your
business to ask. If they get a positive response they are likely to come
back and tell all their friends.
People with psychiatric
disabilities are violent.
One of the main obstacles they face is attitudes that others have about
them because their disability is not always visible.
More conflicts are going to
arise if I hire a person with a
disability
Conflicts are usually a result of misunderstanding or lack of
information.
ADA suits are flooding the
courts
Actually only about 650 in the nation have been filed in the last 5 years
(there are nearly 6 million businesses, 666,000 public and private
employers nad 80,000 units of state and local government that must
comply (http:www.ada.gov)
ADA is rigid and requires
businesses to spend a lot of
money to make their facilities
accessible
The ADA is based on common sense, it only asks for accommodations
when they are readily available, can be accomplished and without much
difficulty or expense.
The ADA forces businesses to
spend a lot of money hiring
unqualified people
No unqualified job applicant can claim discrimination under the ADA.
The employee must meet all requirements of the job and perform the
essential functions of the job without or without reasonable
accommodation. No accommodation needs to be provided if it would
cause a hardship to the employer
The Government won’t help
pay for accessibility related
costs
Federal tax incentives are available to help businesses meet the cost of
ADA compliance (last from ADA site)
You can’t shake someone’s
hand if there is a disability
effecting it
Shaking hands with the left hand is acceptable. For those who cannot
shake hands, touch the person on the shoulder or arm to welcome and
acknowledge their presence.
I can’t interview someone with
a disability in the same manner
that I would someone without a
disability.
Conduct interviews in a manner that emphasizes abilities, achievements
and individual qualities. Conduct your interview as you would with
anyone. Be considerate without being patronizing. When interviewing a
person with a speech impediment, stifle any urge to complete a sentence
of an interviewee. If it appears that a person's ability inhibits
performance of a job, ask: "How would you perform this job?" Relax
and make the applicant feel comfortable. Don't ask if a person has a
disability during an employment interview. Don't assume that certain
jobs are more suited to persons with disabilities. Don't hire a person
with a disability if that person is at significant risk of substantial harm to
the health and safety of the public and there is no reasonable
accommodation to reduce the risk or harm. Don't hire a person with a
disability who is not qualified to perform the essential functions of the
job even with a reasonable accommodation. Don't assume that you have
to retain an unqualified employee with a disability.
Accessible Garden Plot Project. Hartenhoff-Crooks met again with Allyn Frerichs and another
meeting is also planned. Some funding, up to $5,000, may be available from the ADA Leadership
Initiatives Fund (DBTAC); however, the majority of the funding will come from the city park and
recreation budget. Project costs have not been identified. She hopes to have the hardscape
completed this year.
Accessible Parking Brochure Distribution & Promotion Efforts. 600 brochures and cover letters
were mailed to all Brookings area businesses. An additional 60 mailers were sent to regional
architects, contractors and engineers. The City Utility Department provided the mailing list.
Registration Deadline - 2010 National ADA Symposium. This year’s symposium will be June 21-
23 in Denver. The following individuals have expressed interest in attending: Bayer, Miller,
Kornbaum, Kuechenmeister and Hartenhoff-Crooks. Thornes will be attending. Firm
commitments are needed not later than May 1st in order to make the registration deadline. In
order to qualify for the $1000 stipend, each member will need to go through the online certification
process. An alternative certification format will be requested for Kornbaum since she doesn’t have
a computer.
Membership. Lindell’s term expires on April 30th and the Mayor plans to reappoint her.
Correspondence/Announcements/Calendar
April 13th – Emergency Preparedness Special Needs Population @ 1:00 pm, City Hall – Bayer has
resigned from this subcommittee and Lindell is unable to attend the 4/13 meeting.
Kuechenmeister volunteered to attend and Hartenhoff-Crooks offered to serve as a back-up,
both noting that it’s important to have committee representation at this meeting.
June 21-23 – Denver - National ADA Symposium
Access Board issuance of Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Section 508 Standards -
Information on this topic was sent out via a separate email.
March 10th Letter to Editor on snow removal
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation Board Report. Thornes attended the March 16th Board meeting. She noted that
one of the local taxi providers attended the meeting and questioned why limo services were not
licensed. Thornes plans to research the issue.
City ADA Coordinator’s Report
ADA Leadership March 24th Conference Call – Thornes and Hartenhoff-Crooks participated in
the call and Thornes provided the following summary:
1. April Audio Conference – Many have found the audio conference training beneficial and
Thornes will continue to email conference information.
2. Resources
– Department of Justice has “10 Employment Myths” video on their website. DBTAC also
has copies available. It works well with 10 business mistakes.
– DBTAC is currently developing a list of resources available at their office.
3. 20th Anniversary Promo Items.
DBTAC is thinking about doing some promo items specifically has 20th anniversary
(decals, etc.). If you have any ideas, please email to Maggie Sims @ Colorado DBTAC.
4. Network Member Project Highlight.
A member of the network has been working the Colorado Springs police department to
improvement areas of effective communication with the deaf and hard of hearing
population. This stemmed from an incident that occurred in which a deaf man was shot
by police because he couldn’t hear the entry and didn’t respond well when confronted.
The network member met with police representatives and reviewed current policies and
proposed new ones. They found that police officials were receptive to improvements
when proactively approached. DBTAC will post the new police policies on its website.
It was noted that the Department of Justice website has an 8 part video series
specific for law enforcement. Thornes will check to see if the Brookings Police Dept.
has a copy.
5. 2010 Symposium Updates - Sessions are starting to fill up. There is an advantage to
register groups of 5 of more - $100 per person discount - $400 instead of $500. There is
a recreation track and an ADA coordinator’s track. Hotel registration is handled
separately.
6. Accessible Denver Website – Check out this website link - Denver Office of Disability
Rights http://www.denvergov.org/Home/tabid/429521/Default.aspx
7. Next Network call – Wednesday, May 26th @ 2 p.m. Central Time
Monthly Reporting. Thornes requested assistance in getting the monthly reporting completed
and submitted to DBTAC. Monthly reports will be on every agenda and a basket will be placed
by the snacks.
Post Office. The Access Board submitted its final findings and they are not requiring the
installation of a new door or to change the door swing.
Website – The City will be creating a new website in-house this year. This will be an
opportunity for the Committee to have new information and a fresh look under the new
community branding image. Thornes asked for volunteers to start looking at other website for
ideas and to work on the committee’s new format. Lindell, Miller and Heylens volunteered.
Hartenhoff-Crooks expressed concern that the new website have an accessible platform and
that the new webmaster review the 508 standards for communication accessibility.
SDSU Wellness Center. Miller, Thornes and Kuechenmeister will be meeting after the meeting
to review the report from DBTAC. Thornes is submitting a formal request for Rob Gilkerson to
come to Brookings to conduct an onsite review the Wellness Center. He’d also be providing
facility review technical review training for members.
Polling Locations. Miller offered to visit with the new pastor at the United Church of Christ
about lightening the door weight.
City/County Administration Building. The Committee will be heavily involved in design and
plan review of the new city/county building planned near the Brookings Library. Conceptual
designs are expected later this summer.
Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes