Introduction
We are pleased to be able to present you with our report on the activities of
the Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns, covering September first of the
year two thousand to August thirty-first of two thousand and one. It has been
our pleasure to continue to serve Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido who has so openly
acknowledged are efforts and supported our initiatives. We are very grateful to
have had the commitment of time and valuable input from Mr. Kurt Giberson as our
city liaison. This report offers an overview of our work, plans for future activity,
and ongoing commitment to our mission. The Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns
Table of Contents
Roster of Appointees
Reelection of chair & vice-chair
By-laws
City-wide Training
ADA Training
Events
Community Outreach
Ongoing Projects
Voting Accessibility
Transportation Issues
Library Access
ADA Coordinator
The Transition Plan
Visitability
Advocacy for Dearborn residents
Conference Attendance
Special Notes
Accessibility Committee Subcommittee
Education & Employment Subcommittee
Public relations & Awards Subcommittee
ADA Sensitivity Training Report
By-laws
Index
Roster of Appointees
(September, 2001)
Christian L. Mageli (Chair) 9-1-2000 to 6-30-2003
M. Catherine McAdam (Vice-Chair) 9-1-2000 to 6-30-2003
Claudia Damian re-appointed 9-1-2002 to 6-30-2005
Heather K. Giberson 9-1-2000 to 3-11-2002
Kim Bretton Hetrick 9-1-2000 to 6-30-2003
Jad K. Jadallah 9-1-2000 to 6-30-2005
Jane Thomas re-appointed 9-1-2002 to 6-30-2004
Gary B. Filiak (Alternate) re-appointed 9-1-2001 to 6-30-2004
Mary Hodak re-appointed 9-1-2001 to 6-30-2004
Dr. Cheryl Kreger 9-1-2001 to 6-30-2004
Dale Swanson re-appointed 9-1-2002 to 6-30-2005
Ryan McGraw( Alternate) 9-1-2001 to 6-30-2004
Commission Liaison: Kurt A. Giberson, Director
Department of Public Works, Dearborn
Reelection of the Chair and Vice-Chairpersons:
On November 2001, Kurt Giberson conducted the reelection of the
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the Dearborn Commission on
Disability Concerns.Christian Mageli was elected Chairperson and
Catherine McAdam was elected Vice-Chairperson. For a 2 year
period, (11-02/10-04) in accordance with our revised bylaws. Kim
Hetrick was re appointed to the executive committee.
By-laws:
At our November 20, 2001 meeting our revised bylaws were adopted.
Of particular note was the inclusion of a majority of people with
disabilities as commissioners, and the section addressing potential
conflict of interest. (See attached.)
City Wide Training:
We were very please to work with Bob Ziolkowski of the Human Resource department
on a city wide disability awareness training in March of 2002. All commissioners
along with Carrole Mardis from Great Lakes ADA were available to present as an
interactive panel to complement the video presented. This training was well received,
and attended by 276 city employees. (See attached.)
In August 2002, Mr. Ziolkowski, coordinated a mandatory city wide training for
telephone etiquette including information regarding the Michigan Relay Service
as recommended by Commissioner Damion.
ADA Training:
We were pleased to host the State commission on disability concerns in April for
a joint ADA training. The State applauded our local efforts, our very accessible
Performing Arts and Community Center, and recognized our leadership and proactive
stance in exploring visitability for our community.
Chairman Mageli and commissioner Hetrick met with constituents from Detroit, and
Dearborn Heights to assist in their efforts to develop local disability commissions.
Events:
Homecoming was an excellent venue this year. The access committee, chaired by
commissioner Damion, assisted to increase physical accessibility with improved
parking, shuttle availability, and accessible pathways. Commissioner Filiak’s
oversight was much appreciated. Materials were available in alternative formats,
and a TTY telephone was available for emergency use. Our very visible location
increased the inquiries we received from the public and responses to our surveys.
Commissioners also participated in the Healthy Living Expo, the Living without
Limitation Expo at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, and Dearborn’s
Senior Day.
Community Outreach:
We continue to broaden our relationship with our community. The PR committee,
chaired by commissioner Swanson, helped increase our visibility through two Dearborn
Journal segments, newspaper articles, web biography’s and current commission
information posted on our web site. With assistance from the cities Public Information
Department, a survey was printed in the Back Fence and fifty responses were received
and addressed.
Through the PR committee, we have begun planning for a disability awareness day
for October 2003 witch will include resource information and an awards program
for the Dearborn community.
Chairman Mageli was a guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Dearborn Outer Drive
on February 19, 2002. He spoke on the work the Commission is doing and thanked
them for their involvement in helping build Ramps for our residents with disabilities.
Members of the education/employment committee, co/chaired by vice-chair McAdam,
and commissioner Kreger met with the Chamber of Commerce to develop an ongoing
relationship. The Commissions Vice-Chair now serves on the Chambers Education
Committee.
Using the video purchased by the City, following our March training, commissioners
McGraw and Kreger presented awareness training to school bus drivers. They felt
having a young person’s perspective was very valuable and informative. We
plan to further develop a speaker’s bureau during the next year.
We invited a representative from the Association of American University women
(AAUW), Hegria outreach program, and adaptive sports of Michigan to commission
meetings to present information to us and increase our availability as a resource
in the community.
Ongoing projects
TTY: 911 calls continue to be monitored and improved upon with a satisfactory
success rate. The current status of TTY’s for departments has been reviewed
and a resolution was passed to recommend updating older systems for consistency
in training, and affectedness of use. We began outlining city-wide training with
Bob Ziolkowski and Paul Klink, but felt it could not proceed without these upgrades.
Voting accessibility:
We continued to work with Kathleen Buda and note improvements in the November
2001 elections. We also reevaluated the physical accessibility of each precinct
and made recommendations regarding door weight. Ms. Buda requested additional
training for her staff, and this will be addressed. Voting accessibility continues
to be an ongoing concern. We will address upgrading needs in the future.
Transportation issues:
We have continued to address problems with transportation particularly as related
to out trips for recreational activities and passed a resolution “That the
City of Dearborn’s Commission on Disability Concerns take whatever actions
necessary to encourage the City of Dearborn Recreational Departments to make choices
that include all citizens in their activities regardless of physical, mental,
or developmental ability, and/or specifically designate which activities will
be accessible to all.” Commissioner Hodak was appointed liaison to work
with the senior commission.
Library access:
Library staff, Patrick Coady and Tara Gnau attended our meeting to address concerns
for physical access to the auditorium and begin a discussion regarding computer
accessibility. They were pleased to receive the “RED NOTEBOOK” provided
by Commissioner Damian to increase access for the deaf and hard of hearing.
ADA Coordinator:
We hired a part time ADA coordinator, Susan Fitzmaurice, and appreciated the willingness
of Human Resources and Mr. Giberson for fully involving the Commission in the
selection process, and development of a job description. Ms. Fitzmaurice attended
her first Commission meeting in July and has been very proactive in approaching
her position. Her consultation and gathering of information, related to our ongoing
Transition Plan and Assessment, will help us move forward.
The Transition Plan:
Using the city’s facility study, commissioner Swanson prioritized accessibility
needs for city hall. The City Hall ADA improvements from the 2001-2002 funds allocated
include the East and West Wing Bathrooms, countertops throughout, the Public Bathroom
in the City Hall addition and signage throughout City Hall. Commissioners will
along with the ADA coordinator examine other priorities for accessibility of programs
and services through out the city during the next year.
Visitability:
Visitability is the idea & the process of constructing homes, apartments,
and other dwellings so that the residents can visit or be visited by friends,
family, and others, regardless of whether they can sprint up a flight of stairs,
reach over a 32” high counter to turn on a light, grasp a slippery metal
knob to open a door, or carry a big, old bag of groceries over the threshold and
into the kitchen, without any help.
Cities, large and small, ranging from places like Atlanta, Georgia and Napierville,
Illinois to the country of England are passing ordinances to begin the process
of making their communities more open, more livable, more humane for people of
all ages, abilities, shapes, and sizes.
Chairman Mageli appointed commissioner Hetrick to head up a task force to explore
the potential of such an ordinance for Dearborn. Commissioners Hetrick and McAdam
addressed the city council to report on the work of this commission and present
this concept. We plan to work with the appropriate departments in developing a
formal presentation in 2003.
Advocacy for Dearborn Citizens:
Through emails surveys and phone contacts we continued to hear from our citizens.
We spoke directly with citizens asking for information or referrals regarding
transportation, employment, parking access, clarification of programs for persons
with Down syndrome, and concerns regarding accessible Internet access. Commissioners
continued to be proactively addressing access issues for Dearborn churches, restaurants
and health care facilities.
Conference Attendance:
Commission Hetrick attended a conference presented by the Center for International
Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange on International issues for people
with disabilities. (Vice-chair McAdam also attended the conference as part of
her business.) A report was given to the commission at our May meeting. This meeting
provided useful information in looking at cross/cultural issues, increased our
awareness to continue to be inclusive in our efforts, and provided valuable resource
information for future use.
Special note:
Despite over five months of bed rest, chairman Mageli has maintained his leadership
role, and continued to be actively involved in all aspects of our work. We our
grateful to Nancy Mageli for sharing their home for frequent meetings. Thanks
are also extended to Julie, Linda, and Paula for their secretarial support.
Accessibility Subcommittee
Charter:
1. To assist the City of Dearborn in the identification prioritization and removal
of barriers to City services or programs to allow full participation by citizens
with disabilities.
2. To promote community integration for citizens with disabilities, we will collaborate
with local businesses and community organizations exploring opportunities for
improving access to transportation housing and community based programs.
3. To advocate and promote strict enforcement of ADA modification and revision
codes as they relate to entry and egress of governmental and business structures
and their internal components.
Membership:
Claudia Damian, chair
Gary Filiak
Christian Mageli
Kevin Mitchell (public member)
Jane Thomas
Education and Employment Subcommittee
Charter:
1. To be a resource to the City of Dearborn, its citizens, businesses, and administration
regarding the educational and employment needs of our citizens who have disabilities.
2. To promote disability awareness and sensitivity training in local businesses,
educational and governmental agencies.
3. To advocate for the full implementation of the ADA, IDEA, Michigan’s
Civil Rights Act for people with Disabilities, and other federal and state laws
regarding education and employment.
4. To advocate for policy practices or services which promote the city’s
employment of people with disabilities, including barrier free access and accommodations.
5. To provide city departments with educational information and resources specific
to employment issues for people with disabilities in coordination with the city’s
Human Resources Department.
Members:
Cheryl Kreger, Co-chair
Cathy McAdam, Co-chair
Heather Giberson (public member)
Mary Hodak
Ryan McGraw
Ray Roberson (public member)
Dale Swanson
Public Relations and Awards Subcommittee
Charter:
1. To promote awareness of disability issues, and the work of the Dearborn Commission
on Disability Concerns using print and broadcast media, the internet and other
resources.
2. To develop and maintain the web site for the Dearborn Commission on Disability
Concerns.
3. To develop, in coordination with other commission committees, an awards program
recognizing individual and community contributions to Dearborn’s citizens
with disabilities.
City of Dearborn
Human Resources: Training Program
Report to the Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns
ADA Sensitivity Training
Purpose and Need Statement
In June 2001, the Human Resource Department and the Dearborn Commission on Disability
Concerns sponsored the first ever ADA sensitivity training as part of the new
hire orientation for staff at the newly opened Ford Community and Performing Art
Center. After successfully training nearly 100 new employees, the Commission and
the Training Program recognized the value and need for citywide training. With
a commitment to increase sensitivity to disability concerns throughout the City
of Dearborn, the Commission and the HR Training program partnered to offer a quality
ADA Sensitivity Training to all City employees.
Planning
Bob Ziolkowski (HR-Training Coordinator) met with the Commission to discuss the
process for creating the ADA
Sensitivity Training seminar.
Bob, Christian and Cathy met with Robin Jones of the Great Lakes ADA Center in
December 2001 to plan the training format, implementation, venue and dates. Bob,
Christian and Cathy continued the planning process with Robin via email between
December 2001 and March 2002.
Christian and Cathy worked with other Commissioners at planning and scheduling
the panel and preparing handout literature with information regarding the Dearborn
Commission. Bob worked with the Commission and Robin at coordinating the training
event. He also worked with the Mayor to invite all city commissioners, elected
officials and city employees
The Event
Six ADA Sensitivity classes were scheduled during March. Two classes on each of
three days: March 5, 6, and 7. Three days prior to the opening class, Bob and
the Commission agreed to cancel the only evening class on the schedule. Regrettably,
no city Commissioners other than members of the Commission on Disability Concerns
responded to the mayor’s invitation. No city employees had enrolled in the
evening class either. With zero attendance indicated for the evening class, the
session was cancelled.
On the day before the scheduled first class, an email from Robin Jones announced
that she would not be able to facilitate the training sessions after all and had
assigned responsibility for the presentation to another staff member: Carrole
Mardis. The message informed us that Carrole would be arriving by air in time
to be at the training event. Bob was then in touch with Carrole to finalize arrangements
and to review the presentation.
Attendance All were pleased that attendance at the sessions was higher than expected.
A total of 276 City of Dearborn employees attended while less than half that number
had actually preenrolled. The high attendance reduced the number of seminar handouts
quickly and we needed to reproduce and reorder materials twice during the three-day
period. The following is a distribution list of employee attendance by department:
0 ASSESSMENT
33 BUILDING & SAFETY
5 CITY CLERK
0 CITY PLAN
0 COUNCIL
0 COURT
22 DPW
7 E&CD
22 FINANCE
100 FIRE
0 HEALTH
2 HOUSING
10 HUMAN RESOURCES
11 LEGAL
2 LIBRARY
16
2 MAYOR’S OFFICE
17 MIS
0 MUSEUM
23 POLICE
10 PUBLIC INFORMATION
7 RECREATION
276 TOTAL
The Commission on Disability Concerns had a 100% representation and participation
at the seminars. Commission members participated as panel members and co-facilitators
at each of the sessions.
Presentation: The seminar was presented in three distinct segments:
Lecture, Video and Panel discussion. Each presentation was also followed by an
optionally attended demonstration of technical equipment in support of alternate
formatting for people with disabilities. Lecture: Approximately 40 minutes by
presenter, Carrole Mardis included a history and understanding of
the ADA, a discussion of what constitutes a disability, alternate format, reasonable
accommodations and sensitivity.
Video: The Ten Commandments of Etiquette When Dealing with Disabilities
Panel Reactions by Commission members to the presentation and film. Questions
and answers regarding disability concern, sensitivity and the role of the Commission
in Dearborn.
Technology Demonstration of TDD equipment assisting the hearing impaired and computer
voice programs in support of the sight impaired.
Venue: All classes were presented in Dearborn City Council Chambers.
The size and seating accommodation easily handled the larger than expected number
of attendees. Handout materials: Each attendee received an information
packet which included:
Great Lakes Assistance Center (Pamphlet)
A Guide to Disability Rights Law (Booklet)
Local Resource List (Single Sheet)
What’s in A Name (Pamphlet)
Disability Etiquette (Booklet)
Serving Customers with Disabilities (Power Point)
Communication With and About People with Disabilities
Evaluation and Feedback
Evaluation forms were not distributed at the seminars. One week following the
classes, an attendance report was made to each department director. Included with
the report was an evaluation sheet (Attached). Directors were asked to meet with
their staff, discuss the training and return a completed evaluation representative
of the department’s opinions. With a limited number of evaluations returned
to date, the following comments are representative of the feedback:
Presenter:
Opening piece was attacking and brutal in nature.
Good information, well presented
Somewhat exaggerated
Video:
Excellent
Should be a part of new hire orientation
A must see
Panel:
Helped to bring depth and clarity to the entire program
Excellent and articulate
Too short
Not enough questions and answers
Technology displays:
Claudia did and excellent job
Cathy really knew her stuff
Voice assisted equipment was fascinating
Overall feeling regarding the seminar:
Very worthwhile
Should be presented again
How can all new employees get this training?
Recommendations (I would like to gather the feedback on the training
event from members of the Commission and from Great Lakes ADA and add them to
my reactions to complete this report with future recommendations.)
By-laws
Article I
Name and Location
Section A.
The name of the Commission is: “Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns.”
( referred to henceforth as “the Commission”)
Section B.
The authority for the Commission shall be located in the office of the
Mayor of the City of Dearborn, per City Ordinance no. 00-827.
Article II
Purpose
Section A.
1. It will be the goal of the Commission to:
a. Actively promote the total integration and participation of persons with disabilities
into all areas of economic, political, and community life.
b. To aid the City in its stated goal of utilizing all available resources and
coordinating efforts toward removing barriers to full integration and participation
of persons with disabilities.
2. To serve as a advocating/coordinating body for the purpose of receiving input
from citizens on the needs and concerns of the disabled community, to formulate
and recommend solutions to these identified needs and concerns, and to convey
such recommendations to appropriate citizens, businesses and governmental bodies.
3. To work with the City to identify eliminate conditions, policies, or practices
that may operate to discriminate against, exclude, or hinder the full integration
and participation of persons with Disabilities.
4. To work with the City to create conditions, to establish policies and practices,
and to develop or adapt programs which will facilitate the full integration and
participation of persons with disabilities into all areas of economic, political,
and community life.
5. To render advice, to monitor, and to evaluate all city policies, practices,
and procedures which immediately or remotely impact upon persons with disabilities.
6. To assist the city in its efforts to comply with such codes,
ordinances, and statutes that affect disabled persons in Dearborn.
7. To maintain working committees when appropriate to oversee areas of concern
such as, but not limited to, Transportation, Architectural, Communications, Employment
and Education. These committees may appoint one of their members to act as a liaison
to their respective City Commissions and departments. In addition, the Commission
may designate one of its members to act as a liaison
representative to any other board commission or committee, of the City.
8. To coordinate training and public education progress, hold hearings and workshops,
and conduct investigations about the integration of persons with disabilities.
Article III.
Membership
Section A.
1. The Commission membership shall have a majority of persons with disabilities
and will include advocating family members. The Commission membership shall be
representatives of different disability groups, including physical, sensory, and
mental disabilities, and shall be representative of gender, age and racial groups
in the community. All members of the Commission shall be residents of the City
of Dearborn.
2. The commission shall have nine members, and two alternates, to be appointed
by the mayor for a term of three years. The alternates shall have no vote unless
serving to replace an absent member. The first appointments to the commission
shall be three commissioners each for one-year, two-year and three-year terms.
Subsequent appointments shall be for three years.
3. Upon recommendation of a majority of the commission, the appointment of any
member shall terminate upon such member’s unexcused absence from three consecutive
regularly scheduled meetings.
4. A member of the City government may serve as a commissioner but may not serve
as Chair or Vice-Chair of the commission while employed by the City.
Section B.
1. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation or gratuity of any
kind.
2. A Commissioner who would have direct compensation, or whose company, or organization
would benefit financially from an action taken by the Commission, must declare
a conflict of interest and refrain from voting. (An alternate may vote in their
place)
Article IV
Accommodations
Section A.
The City shall provide appropriate accommodations for the known physical, sensory
or mental disabilities of Commission members and other participants in Commission
activities, including, but not limited to: Assistance with transportation, reading,
writing, communicating and aids such as tape-recorded, Braille, large print materials
and signing.
Article V.
Officers
Section A.
The Commission shall every two years elect a Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson
from among its members.
Section B.
An officer or employee of the City appointed by the Mayor and approved by the
Commission shall serve as an administrative liaison to the Commission.
Section C.
1. The Chairperson in consultation with the Vice-Chairperson shall appoint one
member of the Commission to serve on the Executive Council.
2. The Executive Council shall consist of the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson
of the Commission, the member of the Commission appointed, and the liaison to
the City (Dearborn City ord. #00-827, 5C). The Executive Council will function
as a facilitating committee to assist the Chairperson as necessary. The Executive
Council is authorized to conduct essential Commission business between regularly
scheduled meetings. The Executive Council shall also have the power to act on
behalf of the Commission in an emergency situation where it is necessary to act
within a 48-hour period and it is not possible to convene a meeting of the Commission.
This Executive Council shall review the By-laws of the Commission no less than
once per year.
Section D.
1. The Commission’s Chairperson, elected by a majority of the Commission,
shall be responsible for leading and directing Commissioner activities, including
designating committees as needed, naming committee chairpersons, etc., as well
as other duties prescribed in these by-laws.
2. The Commission Chairperson will preside at all meetings of the Commission and
Executive Council. The Commission Chairperson may delegate the duties of the chair,
with regard to the operation of the meeting, to the Vice-Chairperson. If neither
executive officer can be present for an announced meeting, at which a quorum is
present, the Commissioner named as member of the Executive Council, may preside.
3. The Commission Chairperson will delegate such duties and responsibilities to
the Vice-Chairperson, as the Chairperson deems necessary, to carry out the functions
of the Commission.
4. The Commission Vice-Chairperson, will in the absence of the Commission Chairperson,
automatically assume the duties of the Commission Chairperson. In instances when
both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are absent, the additional Commissioner
acting as Executive Council member will preside over the meeting of the Commission.
In the case of vacancy in the office of the Commission Chairperson, the Commission
Vice-Chairperson will automatically
assume the duties of the Commission Chairperson until the Commission elects a
new Commission Chairperson.
Article VI.
Meetings & Procedures
Section A.
The Commission shall establish a regular time and place of meeting and shall hold
one regular meeting at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the
Chairperson, or by a majority of the members of the Commission, upon written notice
received by each member at least 5 days prior to such meeting. Meeting notices
of the Commission shall be posted in a conspicuous public place at least
twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.
Section B.
The Commission shall make and alter rules and procedures governing its organization
that are not inconsistent with this chapter, or any other City ordinance.
Section C.
The Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings and transactions and shall
submit an annual report to the Mayor, within sixty days of the end of the fiscal
year, ending June 30th.
Article VII.
Quorum
Section A.
Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, and the concurring vote of at least five members shall be necessary
to take action by such commission. Any Commission meeting at which a quorum is
not present may be closed and cancelled, without vote, by the acting Chairperson.
Article VIII
Ad-Hoc Committees
Section A.
Ad-hoc Committees will consist of a Committee Chairperson appointed from the Commission
by the Commission Chairperson and such other persons as may be deemed necessary
and helpful by the Commission Chairperson. All such persons must be residents
of Dearborn. Non-residents of the City of Dearborn may be consulted, as Committee
Resources. Non-Commissioners, serving as members
of Ad-Hoc Committees, will serve in an advisory, non-voting capacity. Each committee
will be responsible for developing a charter to be approved by the Commission.
Section B.
Chairpersons of Committees, members of Committees, and Committee Resources serve
on a voluntary basis, and shall accept no compensation or gratuity for such service.
Article IX
Ratification of the By-laws
Section A.
The initial version of the By-laws will be ratified by a majority of the
Commission.
Section B.
Revisions of the By-laws must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of
the Commission.
* Submitted 11/27/2001
by M. Catherine McAdam vice-chair
Ratified by voice vote, 11/20/01
