Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Workshop of March 16, 2022.
Body
QUORUM: In Person Quorum was not reached - Conducted as Workshop.
Workshop commenced: 10:05 am
Coral Gables Family Literacy Festival (CGFLF)
Mr. Samuel Joseph - School Community Relations Committee
Mr. Joseph addressed Board regarding update regarding upcoming Coral Gables Family Literacy Festival which will be taking place on Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Mr. Joseph stated that since this is a City of Coral Gables event, the planning and preparation is being conducted by the City’s Community Recreation Department.
Mr. Joseph advised concerns which were brought to the attention after last year’s event such as parking and having enough diversity of books for younger adults. Mr. Joseph advised there will be more books available for young adults and programing as well. Mr. Joseph stated that one of the new things during this year’s event is that there will be children participating as vendors, selling, and trading books. Mr. Joseph also advised there will be an international village area where the children participating can conduct performances such as dances from where they are from.
Mr. Joseph stated Cristy’s House will be participating during this year’s event. Mr. Joseph advised there will also be videos available where parents can view and then can discuss its contents with professionals available on site.
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Ms. Dietz advised via zoom chat that the 24th Annual Family Café Event is being held during same weekend and may impact on the availability of some disability nonprofits. Mr. Joseph stated he would be advising Community Recreation of this information.
Ms. Liebl addressed board regarding video (documentary) provided by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) called “Resilience” and its important role as a resource.
Mr. Joseph stated he will also be speaking with the school district as well as other entities regarding event and participating.
Ms. Milne shared with board reading program utilized at other entities such as West Lab and her son’s school at Miami Learning Experience. Ms. Milne spoke of various ways a reading program can be conducted.
April Autism Month - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta conducted with board discussion regarding upcoming April Commission meeting where proclamation would be presented and who would be the recipient of it. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated presentation would likely be on the April 12, 2022, meeting. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised City Hall will be lit up in blue as well. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated currently the city is working with the School Board on possibly brining Project Victory to the city and if possible, perhaps could also be addressed during April 12, 2022, meeting.
Ms. Liebl asked if staff would make sure Autism Vehicle will be available and in circulation during the daytime. Ms. Liebl also asked if there would be an opportunity to have a photo opt where the vehicle is stationed in front of City Hall when it is lit in blue.
Ms. Palacio shared various things going on during month of April, such as an article regarding Autism will be featured in the Coral Gables Magazine.
Ms. Liebl stated Ms. Jennifer Santo will be speaking at upcoming City of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Ms. Liebl asked if it would be possible to perhaps have some type of advertisement on Freebie promoting employment of individuals with disabilities.
Ms. Palacio spoke of a gentleman who works at UM Card which perhaps could be the one to receive proclamation. Ms. Milne expressed she feels having someone with a disability receive the proclamation and speak at the chamber breakfast would be a greater impact to those present.
Ms. Palacio stated Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado’s interest in attending upcoming City of Coral Gables Chamber breakfast. Commissioner Regalado’s assistance, Ms. Amanda Maldonado addressed board and expressed the Commissioner’s interest in participating at the breakfast to further discuss employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well as having another event on their own.
Ms. Blaire stated October is Disability Awareness Month. Ms. Palacio advised she had mentioned it on an email to Commissioner Regalado’s office. Ms. Liebl stated perhaps there could be some type of information made available for distribution at this event whereas companies can pick up, take with them to review, and be made aware of available resources regarding employment for disabled persons.
Mr. Joseph spoke of a Chamber Coalition meeting which has occurred in the past, where businesses from all over are represented and if some how this type of meeting can be set up once again, where they can receive information of resources available. Mr. Joseph stated perhaps it could be an opportunity where potential employees can be interviewed and even hired.
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she feels Adventure Day for All Event could incorporate this component into their set-up. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated any business seeking employees can participate and there can be a section at the event highlighting this. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated the employers can even have applications available.
Ms. Duran expressed her concern regarding if it would be possible to ensure employers offering employment to people with disabilities provide proper pay.
Ms. Palacio stated if it would be possible to have representatives from the various entities such as Best Buddies and De Moya Foundation present at Chamber of Commerce breakfast where Ms. Sando is speaking as well as have Commissioner Regalado recognize them.
Further discussion took place in regards of who will be present and receive the Proclamation at upcoming April commission meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: April 6, 2022
ADJOURNMENT: Workshop ended - 11:09am