Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns

CITY OF DEARBORN
The Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns
Ford Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave, Wetrooms
Minutes May 17, 2007, 6:00-9:00 PM

1. Call to Order: 6:02 PM
2. Roll Call: All commissioners present.
3. Additions/changes to agenda: no changes
4. Approval of March Minutes: Motion to approve by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Kreger, unanimous approval.

5. Guest Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Giering

600+ members. 65 years old. Possibly moving into Bryant Library basement. Would have 3 purposes - administrative, meeting center, city welcoming center. This years activities include Taste of Dearborn (sample 15 restaurants along Michigan), Car parade (Friday of homecoming), and Fall into Dearborn (included a city-wide open house). Has a website (business resource guide), Business Journal, weekly E-News, and Newsight (members only). Strategic planning this summer to determine future focus.

Susan offered information gotten when we applied for a grant for the training room. Commissioner McAdam asked about accessibility of library. (It may be the incentive needed to move forward to make this space accessible as it hasn’t been used previously as a public space .) Commissioner Hodak asked about the percentage of business in Dearborn belong to the chamber. (It is still low but working on increasing.)

6. Guest Dearborn Heights disability commission President Linda Butler

Brought 911 form – Emergency information sheet. 40 responses from residents so far. It is a voluntary registration for citizens of Dearborn Heights only. Commissioner Hodak asked if it was going to be incorporated into the city database, but that was unknown. She also mentioned that other communities include a photo. Fire, police, and EMS all worked to create this form.

There was a discussion of railroad crossing at Gulley. There was a Dearborn/ Dearborn Heights project to improve the area. Access committee will look further into it to see what the city's opinion is, and what the commission opinion is.

7. Review of Bylaws: McAdam
Commission Swagler and Kreger reviewed the by-laws. Neither had any comments regarding necessary changes. Commissioner McAdam raised for discussion, the question whether we wanted to keep the rule that city employees could not hold commission office. At the commission's request, She will get an opinion from Kurt Giberson or legal department.

Motion by Commissioner McAdam: To table ratification of by-laws until July. Seconded by Commissioner Swanson.

8. Public Comment – nothing further

9. Executive Update: Susan Fitzmaurice update current construction, DPW power door, embosser/scanner, tty training, citizen concerns.

ADA Report

a. Very quiet few months. A few calls from citizens requesting help with receiving services, complaining about cars not stopping for school buses unloading, and asking for help for parents with housing maintenance.

b. Several queries from the city related to how to interpret the ADA for
city grants for funding of housing improvements, how to improve parking and a question about how to help an employee who had not requested accommodations as a person with a disability but seemed to need them.

c. No new major construction. Will begin in earnest this month. DPW now has gates protecting the parking lot. Visitor parking is outside the gates.

d. DPW has completely changed its layout. Door 4 is now the only door that is accessible to the public and is the obvious choice for power door. This location will cost considerable more as there are two doors, not just one as in all other DPW entrances. This is not the entrance that was originally slated to have the power door.
2 sets of doors will be ordered for DPW.

e. Embosser, software, and scanner are now in the office. Next step: set-up. Once these are rolling, will begin ADA training which will include information about alternative format (providing forms and information in Braille), TTYs, and employment accommodation.
TTY training scheduled as soon as Bob returns from vacation.

f. One call regarding DAD, MPAS asking for forms to be faxed to them. Wright & Fillipis sent $500.00, Creative Controls sent form.

g. Mayor requested information about attendance and interest of current commissioners to continue as commissioners. Mary, John, Bill, Cheryl, and Mona all have terms that end June 30th.

h. Friday the 13th of March our website went haywire. No idea why. But it has been completely redone. Looks similar, but a bit more polished.

i. At July 12th meeting we will need to have decided what hand-outs we want to give out at homecoming. Tshirts are gone, pens almost gone, some lanyards left, plastic bags with logos gone. We have enough brochures to get us thru homecoming. If we are going to do the Arab festival in June, we need to order things more quickly.

Bags, pens, and something else to hand out will be chosen and purchased by Susan.

Will need to print brochures before DAD- should consider what changes we want in brochure – i.e. Visitability, council persons and mayor.

j. Ashley X 's treatment was found to be considered illegal because proper legal procedures were not followed. The treatment itself was not considered illegal. There is considerably more work that must be done, including in Michigan to prevent further Ashley Xs. I received personal thanks for the work with the Ashley X page I did and was told it was used as a primary research tool by Washington Protection and Advocacy. I am trying to get some action on this in Michigan in conjunction with the Michigan Partners for Freedom.

k. There is one institution for people with disabilities remaining in Michigan (Mt. Pleasant). Nearly every disability organization in the state wants it closed, but the state refuses. 2/3 of the residents are developmentally disabled and the other 1/3 are people who have committed crimes and are disabled. There are not housed separated. There have been 2 murders of people living there in the last year. The passage of MiCassa and the Mental Health Parity bill would both help to provide the services the ¾ of the people with developmental disabilities need to live in the community. The Mental Health Parity bill would also provide services the people incarcerated there would need to live in a less restrictive and specialized environment. Expect to read a lot about this in the next few weeks.

10. Chair report: Cathy McAdam

Chair Report May 17 2007

A. We have contacted the Mayor’s office re appointments, and requested a meeting to update our commission’s work.
Bill Tennant formally resigned from commission. PR committee will get word out that we are looking for new commissioners. Asked to talk to Mayor, but that will take place later if it appears to be needed.

B. We still have an opportunity to schedule training for the commission and need to explore dates and interest.
April training canceled as too many were unable to attend. Commissioner McAdam asked how many were interested -most commissioners were interested. DH commissioners also interested. Discussion on whether to include committee members. Undecided.

C. Elections will be in September. It is important that you think about who will be filling these positions. As I indicated, I will run for one more year but we need to always look at ways for new ideas and leadership to keep moving forward.

D. The DVD Freedom Machines is on loan for our use and is an excellent documentation re advances in technology and disability. I think it’s so good that I’m offering a premier viewing with popcorn. It is closed captioned and described … where and when?? Possibly next meeting.

E. Because of a business commitment a request was sent to change our July meeting. It will be scheduled for July 12 at 3:00. Room is the same at the PAC.

Next meeting the 12th, not the 19th.

11. Vice Chair report: Cheryl Kreger finalized Strategic Plan, commission training.

12. Break – took earlier.

13. Access committee: Sonya Tishler
Do more with assisting with training. The poll workers are much improved. Also need to clarify what changes need to be made to schools so they can be completed during the summer.

Homecoming. Start thinking about availability. Curb cut for Ford Field near bridge is mark and ready to be cut. Commissioner Filiak is on homecoming committee.

14. Communication committee: Dale Swanson

Communications Committee Report for Meeting 05/17/07

A. Notes from meeting May 8, 2007

Meeting called to order @ 6:30pm discussions began with regarding getting the word out for CDTV captioning and the new audible signals. Dale will forward to Linda Swagler a brief description of these new items. Linda will have an article written by her daughter, Katie Swagler, who is employed as a writer for the Henry Ford Community College Public Relations Department. Upon completion of the article it will be forwarded to Dale for approval and once approved distribution will occur.

Discussed was the $1,000 contribution received from the Rotary Foundation, which will pay for the Key-Note Speaker.

Noted that the Education Committee has been sending information to various service organizations relative to DDAD.

Linda Swagler discussed the Joe Brighton Center in Wyandotte, MI, which is part of the Dearborn Public School system. This facility is a training center for children with disabilities leaving the school system after the intended curriculum. Linda recently toured there and was quite impressed. Her daughter Sarah will be starting in the fall. Dr. Joseph LaCombe runs the center and will be contacted relative to DDAD. Also a note: they actually run a catering service licensed by the board of health and cater many events in the area. The students do all the cooking and setting up etc. Maybe a thought to look into.

Linda and Mona will get a list of the Neighborhood Association groups and start making contacts relative to the DDAD. We are attempting to get a list but may need some assistance with this.

B. Approximately 60 letters went out via mail. We also sent the letter to the email list of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns.

C. Banner Completed

Discussion: Commissioner Swanson asked for responses to his emails in future. Nothing much to report as yet regarding Disability Awareness Day. We have raised enough money to cover expenses. Commissioner McAdam asked Duncan Wyeth to circulate email re DAD.

15.Public Awareness Committee: Nancy Bower

Public Awareness / Education Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 2 - 6:00 pm at Dearborn Schools Adm. Offices

Present: Mary, Cathy, Cheryl & Nancy

1. Review of old business items; banner, "10 Commandments" film,
training program for City employees.

a. Cheryl brought up distribution of multiple DVD copies of last year's (DAD) keynote address. Decision to donate to various school libraries in the name of The Disability Commission, with one held for historical record.

b. Banner - decision that everyone is extremely happy with the outcome and remove from the agenda.

c. "10 Commandments" everyone present had viewed it.

d. Training for City of Dearborn employees on suicide/depression will be postponed until after DAD, so that the employees can have their necessary training with TTYs, etc.

2. Contact with Dearborn Service Clubs.

a. Discussion regarding the most active Clubs, when a listing was circulated. Decision was that Cheryl would write an introduction letter to all of the Service Clubs, and those who requested having a speaker from the Disability Commission would have the initial contact.

b. Dale would also be requesting volunteers from his Committee to help with the presentation task.

c. Cheryl suggested obtaining note cards and the need for stationary for
writing to various contacts. Cathy will address this issue.

3. Planning for speaker and events, etc. for Disability Awareness Day on October 18, 2007 with the theme, "Let's Make the World More Accessible for You".

a. Mary suggested obtaining assistive devices from various companies of an "occupational therapeutic nature" such as doorknob turners and other gadgets for a display, etc. Decision was that she and Cathy would contact Binson's and other companies for assistance in this area. Cathy will contact W.S.U. for possible Occupational Therapy experts to offer a workshop.

b. Nancy suggested having a fashion show based on clothing that is easily
accessible and functional. She will make contacts.

c. Decision to show on continual loops of two films throughout the day; "The Ten Commandments of Communicating With People With Disabilities" and "Freedom Machines".

d. Nancy is looking in to the possibility of having a "sports celebrity" attend, briefly during the day. Cathy suggested having a wheel chair basketball game to accompany this event along with inviting the Sports Hall of Famers.

e. Next meeting - Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 6:00pm at the Dearborn Schools Administrative Offices.

Discussion: Beautiful new banner. Do TTY training first, not mental health as first planned. Begun process of getting in touch with neighborhood groups and service groups. Regarding DAD, possibly have a fashion show, a display of helpful tools and gadgets, famous people come to DAD. Made a presentation to neighborhood association to discuss the commission.

16. Commissioner reports

Linda Swagler: UAW will build ramps. Materials must be purchased by the person who needs ramp. There is some funding available thru Ford Motor. Email Linda with contact info for person who needs ramp.

John McFarlin: Tuesday May 22- Free Press story on him.

Gary Filiak: Ramps at playgrounds- bidding complete. Awaiting dry land.

Nancy Bower: Nancy had last surgery last week!

Mona Ramouni: Difficulty making connections to Arabic American community. Susan mentioned the beauty and accessibility of the Arab American museum. Commissioner Kreger told Mona not to be discouraged- that the work is hard and takes a long time. Susan will set up a commission meeting in July or September at museum. Mona will get a speaker to draw the community to the meeting.

Mary Hodak: Sign seemed to draw a lot of attention. Banner used at one event and not the other- because it requires wall space. Susan will look into posts they can be hung on. Gary Woronchak event July 18 is coming up. People will need to sign up at next meeting. Working on getting lots of low-tech gadgets for a DAD display.

Cheryl Kreger: nothing further.

Dale Swanson: Michigan Adaptive sports event would like us to come.

17. Adjournment: 8:24 PM

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