Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns

CITY OF DEARBORN
Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns
Ford Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave, Wetrooms
Minutes
November 15, 2007, 3:00-6:00 PM

1. Call to Order: 3:11 PM
2. Roll Call
Present: McAdam, Bower, Filiak, Hodak, Ramouni, Tishler, Swagler, McFarlin Excused: Swanson Guests: Mr. & Mrs. Patel, Leah Shannon
3. No Additions/changes to agenda
4. Approval of September Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Bower, seconded Commissioner Hodak, unanimous

5.DDAD, feed back, next steps
6.Workshop feed back
We estimated over 700 attended . All but one vendor were very pleased. We discussed vendors sharing one table if they have very little to display. The registration table needs alphabetical list of vendors. Names and numbers on tables. We need easier refreshments to serve and/ or more morning volunteers. Work shops were very well received. George Blaha a hit. Mayor was there most of afternoon. Commissioners noted that seems as if everyone wants it to take place again next year. McAdam requested the communication committee review in more detail and submit a recommendation for the kind of even wanted for next year, E.GT. vendor fair or some kind of stand alone presentation.

7.Public Comment
Leah introduced herself and mentioned she had been a vendor for 2 years. Mr. & Mrs. Patel had a student of Commissioner Hodak who was remembered as exemplary.

There was a discussion around sign language interpretation as the signer expected did not arrive. (This will be followed up by ADA Coordinator.) The law in Michigan has changed and 50% or more of signers in Michigan are no longer able to sign professionally as they are not certified. Commissioner McFarlin is on Deaf Options board and Commissioner McAdam expressed interest in attending a board meeting. She also asked who is actually in charge of certifying.

ADDED NOTE: Public Act 23 Requires Sign Language Interpreters to be certified by the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH) in the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

8. Committees planning to do list
Have a meeting by January meeting – by phone, email, or in person. Committees need new members and potential commissioners are being encouraged to be a committee member. Change in committee chairs not anticipated but will be announced at January meeting.

8. Commission Elections

By unanimous vote commissioner McAdam re-elected as chair (She noted this would be the last time she would agree to serve in this capacity.) By unanimous vote Commissioner Tishler elected to vice-chair.
There was a quorum. Commissioner McFarlin assisted to vote.

9. Chair report, Transportation issue, TTY screening, Alternative format requests, Committee appointments See attached report.

Note: Commissioner McFarlin will borrow TTY and make calls after the Thanksgiving holiday.

11. Executive Update: Susan Fitzmaurice update city accessibility projects, citizen concerns. See report.

Note: Money approved for conference fees to be paid For ADA coordinator and others who wish to join her in her office as part of a conference call/web cast.

12. Access Committee. see report

Note: Commissioner Filiak will take photos of city buildings whose parking signs are thought to be out of compliance related to voting and general parking signage concerns expressed by commissioners.

Commissioner Filiak and Hodak have participated in CERT training, but there has not yet been any follow-up training or actions.

Education Committee. Needs more members.
Communication Committee. Sent out thank you notes to DAD volunteers.

13.Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Filiak – discussion of grant received for playground equipment. Will be used for playground equipment for Ford Field. Also discussed prioritizing improvements to Levagood Pool including shower, stalls, and pool access. Ford Field restroom needs renovation.

Commissioner Ramouni did not get reappointment letter yet.

Commissioner Bower discussed event the next day honored the late Mayor Guido including renaming the theatre in his name.

14. Adjournment: 5:10 PM

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