HomeMy WebLinkAboutBDACMinutes_2025_05_22Brookings Disability Awareness Committee
Date: 5/22/25
Brookings City and County Government Center
520 3rd St, Room 241
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone (605) 692-6281
Attendance: Mark Sternhagen*, Ramona Kauk*, Matthew Wiess, Carrie Smith*, Aysia Platte *, Ali Teesdale*,
Jennifer Mees*, Arianna Limoges*, Lynda Venhuizen,
SDSU Student: Absent
SDSU Liaison: Keena Melville
HRC Liaison: Absent
Library Liaison:
Brookings School District Liaison: Absent
City Representative: Maureen Simet
Guests: Kirsten Gjesdal
1. The meeting was called to order at 12:02 PM
2. Approval of Agenda
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Ramona, seconded by Ali. The motion carried by the following
votes:
- Yes: Ramona, Matt, Lynda, Carrie, Aysia, Ali, Jennifer, Ari, Mark
- No: none
3. Approval of minutes
Minutes were not received in time to be included in the agenda and will need to be approved at the next
meeting.
4. Officer Updates
a. Chair
1. Bata Open house June 28, 2025 - Bata will be offering rides to those in need to attend.
2. Global Digital Access Awareness Month - May
a. May 27, 2025 at city council meeting
b. Vice Chair
No Update
c. Recorder
No updates.
d. Publicity coordinatorNo updates.
1. Special Olympics Torch Run May 24, 2025
e. SDSU Liaison
1. SDSU Websites
a. SDSU is currently working on updating their websites to be more accessible
f. City Representative
1. Special Olympics will also be attending the city council meeting on May 27, 2025
2. Update from Park and Rec
a. All updated playgrounds will include communication boards.
3. Maureen and Cassie will both be gone during next months meeting.
5. ASL Class
a. Discussions with community organizations about sponsoring future classes
b. Community organizations participating in class such as First Responders
6. Speaker Kirsten Gjesdal, Walk with us workshop
a. Idea is to experience our neighborhoods through the eyes of another individual.
b. Would like to focus next experience on individuals with disabilities
c. Individuals from the community would travel through downtown with an individual to observe how
that individual can participate in our community.
d. Contact Kirsten if interested in Participating in subcommittee; director@downtownbrookings.com
A motion to participate in this was made by Jennifer, 2nd by Lynda. The motion carried by the following
votes:
- Yes: Ramona, Matt, Ali, Aysia, Carrie, Jennifer, Ari, Lynda, Mark
- No: none
7. Work Plan Item:
a. Global digital access awareness month Proclamation May 27th
1. Special Olympics will also be present.
b. ADA proclamation July 26
1. 35th proclamation
2. We will complete proclamation similar to how it has been completed in the past.
A motion to approve the proclamation was made by Ramona, seconded by Matti. The motion carried by the
following votes:
- Yes: Ramona, Matt, Lynda, Carrie, Aysia, Ali, Jennifer, Ari, Mark
- No: none
8. Events/Publicity Discussion (Social Media Campaign)
a. Brochures and Merch to hand out updates sub committee
1. Discussion of use of QR code with link to resources for individuals with disabilities in the
community.
2. If you know of any or have some resources already gathered send them to Lynda.
b. Speaker on disabilities Billie Sutton Oct 21 st
c. Downtown events Brookings bonanza etc
1. BDAC will participate, Jennifer will organize and set up.
d. Awards
1. Applications need to be voted on during July meeting to be to mayor by August deadline.
9. Meeting Date/Format May 22 nd , noon is next scheduled
a. Consider moving day and time of regular meetings Table until June
10. Adjourn
A motion to adjourn was made by Ramona, and seconded by Carrie. The motion carried by the following votes:
- Yes:Ramona, Matt, Lynda, Carrie, Aysia, Ali, Jennifer, Ari, Mark
- No: none
Submitted by Jennifer Mees, Recorder