MINUTES
Mansfield Advisory Committee
on Persons with Disabilities
Regular Meeting - Tuesday September 23, 2008
2:30 PM - Conference Room B - Audrey P. Beck Building
II. Approval of the Minutes for the Meeting, June 24, 2008: the minutes were approved as written.
b. Report on “Know Your Towns Fair”; discussion re: wheelchair simulation exercise: K. Grunwald presented concerns about the impact of this exercise. Is the purpose to raise awareness about accessibility issues, or is it to sensitize people to disabilities? It was decided that the group will look for other ways to raise awareness.
c. Discussion re: a web page for this committee: some discussion about this committee having their own page on the Town website: content would include information about the committee (mission statement), resource links, accessible parking, social activities group, accessibility issues (threads and needles), “contact us”. Email suggestions to Wade at wade.gibbs@uconn.edu.
d. “Other”: Parking Violation notice: discussion of possible use of accessible parking violation notices. J. Sidney shared an experience confronting an individual who was in an accessible space. There was some discussion about the risks associated with confronting people over this issue. Some feeling that the most significant impact would be for people to get a ticket and be fined. J. Sidney stated that the police will act on a picture showing a license plate. K.A. Easley asked if there is something available from the DMV or the police that would empower a citizen to make sure that a citation is issued. The notice could cite the statute and the violation. K. Grunwald will invite Resident State Trooper Jim Kodzis to the next meeting. J. Tanner and K. Grunwald will work on an article that will call attention to this issue.
· Kayaks at River Park: find out where the kayaks are stored, is it possible to get a kayak that is accessible (2-person?), etc.? K. Grunwald will follow-up with Parks & Rec. and the Health District to get answers to these questions. Parking at the landing: two designated accessible spots; need to be moved to make them van accessible. K. Grunwald will follow-up to see if they have been moved to the left.
· C. Colon-Semenza had an experience with a friend whose child has juvenile diabetes; unable to get into the Town pre-school program. None of the other pre-school programs have a registered nurse on staff. Questions raised regarding disability guidelines for admission to the school. K. Grunwald will ask Rachel Leclerc.
a. Election of Committee Chair: J. Sidney feels that there should be an election of the committee members. We will ask for nominations and hold an election at the next meeting.
b. Funding opportunities for accessibility improvements: J. Sidney stated that she is disappointed that the Community Center has not renovated an additional dressing room to an accessible dressing room. Suggestion that a sign be placed inside the changing room as well; what about getting a key from the desk for the room? K. Grunwald will check with Curt Vincente.
c. Status of accessibility issues previously identified: TJ Maxx- K. Grunwald will write a thank-you letter; see if they want to do a photo with the Committee.
K. Grunwald will follow-up regarding grant opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Grunwald