MINUTES

 

Mansfield Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Regular Meeting   - Tuesday April. 24, 2007

2:30 PM - Conference Room C - Audrey P. Beck Building

 

I.                     Attendance: Sheila Thompson, Kevin Grunwald (staff), Scott Hasson, Wade Gibbs, Cristina Colon-Semenza, Joan Sidney

II.                   Approval of the Minutes for the Meeting, Mar.27, 2007: the Minutes of the meeting were approved as written.

III.                  New Business:

a.           Member, Joan Sidney, inquired whether plans were in the future for connecting the walkways on S. Eagleville Road and Separatist Road. This would allow wheelchair access to more of Mansfield.  Kevin G. will research this and report back to the Committee.

b.           Joan S. also expressed disappointment in the lack

of response by Community Center personnel in addressing the issues of the inaccessibility of the emergency pull cord in the accessible changing room, and that this dressing room is sometimes occupied with non-disabled persons, even though other facilities are available to them.  The Committee suggested that a sign be posted advising non-disabled to use the accessible changing room only if no other rooms are available.  Kevin G. said he would follow up on this and report back to the Committee.

 

c.           Kevin G. reported that the Town Meeting, May 8,

at 8:00 PM will have accessible services to residents, including sign language interpreting, childcare, and transportation from Dial-a-Ride.  It was a concern of the Committee that the 8:00 PM hour is not convenient for residents, and that the meeting and its convenient services need to be better publicized.  Comments included suggestions of a bulletin board at the Community Center devoted to advertising meetings, groups, and other items of local interest to all residents.

           

d.           Kevin G. also reported that plans are being made

with DMR to start an activities group which would be held at the Teen Center of the Community Center and be staffed by DMR personnel.

 

 

IV.               Old Business

 

a.           Membership status – Scott H. announced that he will be leaving the Committee and the State in July.  He has been a valued member of the Committee and will be greatly missed.

 

b.           Joan Sidney reported that there seems to be accessibility issues with a pathway at UCONN, perhaps due to winter sand accumulation or curb destruction by the plows. Wade G. will investigate and report back to the committee.

 

c.           Library accessibility issues:  Sheila T. distributed copies of emails between Louise Bailey, Library Director, and her.  The issue of the inner door being somewhat inaccessible due to lack of an automatic door opener is the result of safety issues for young children.  The heavy door prevents them from running out into the parking lot, and an automatic opener would give them easy access.  Concern was expressed that someone in a wheelchair may not be noticed by staff, and may not be able to negotiate opening the door manually.  Suggestion was made of a buzzer that would alert staff to someone waiting at that door.  Joan volunteered to check with Stan Kosloski regarding the specifications of the door, and to also review the accessibility of the bathrooms at the Library.

 

V.                 Adjournment: the meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM.  Next meeting: May 22, 2007, 2:30 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Thompson