Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of October 2, 2024.
Body
QUORUM: Quorum was reached
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources Director
Eglys Hernandez - P/T Administrative Assistant Labor Relations & Risk Management
Catie Hastings - Community Recreation - D.E.I. Coordinator
Sarah Espino - Community Recreation - Administrative Operations Supervisor
GUEST:
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
Debbie Dietz - DIG - Disability Independence Group, Inc.
PUBLIC GUEST:
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 10:06am
MEETING ABSENCE: None
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
September 4, 2024
Motion by: Bonnie Blaire / 2nd Jennifer Sando / Approved unanimously.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Aspika - Ms. Rita Hernandez
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised that due to a family emergency Ms. Hernandez from Aspika would not be able to attend today’s meeting and would be placed on agenda to do so either in
person or via zoom for the next upcoming November meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Director Training Update - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised board of zoom meeting regarding upcoming Director’s Training which took place with Ms. Shelly Baer, Mr. Christopher Fitzmaurice and Ms. Justine Chichester.
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised Ms. Chichester put together an agenda for the training (Exhibit 1).
Ms. Chichester advised the zoom meeting was very helpful and productive. Ms. Chichester stated they
agreed for the theme to be “What makes people with disabilities an asset to your workplace”.
Introduction of Panelist:
Ms. Chichester provided the board with an overall review of the meeting agenda. Ms. Chichester advised once the speakers present themselves;
Mr. Fitzmaurice will ask everyone who is able to standup and participate in a challenge with the goal to energize the room and set the tone for the discussion.
Misconception vs Assets:
Ms. Chichester stated for this part of the presentation, there should be a power point accompanying it.
Ms. Elejabarrieta agreed. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated perhaps the same video which was shared at the
previous training could be played. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated it would be best to provide examples of
misconceptions.
Ms. Chichester stated even though she thought the video was funny, she felt that showing people with
disabilities in real life workplace situations would be better and more effective. Ms. Chichester stated that
Ms. Baez provided video of her working at UM and Mr. Fitzmaurice will be doing the same and those
will be shared in the presentation.
Accommodations
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated perhaps giving examples and having feedback from those present regarding this.
Ms. Bedoya stated would it be possible to provide statistics regarding the biggest problems people with
disabilities have encountered, and it was determined statistics will be included in power point.
Dr. Durocher asked if there would be a way for those in attendance to ask questions prior or
during the discussion discretely. Ms. Chichester stated perhaps including some of those difficult
questions along with ways to address as part of the power point may assist with any concerns anyone
may have.
Ms. Blaire stated at some point if it would be possible to go back to the concept of working with a person
and that the disability does not define the person you are working with. Ms. Blaire stated it sounds like
we are still talking about disabilities, and understands why, but the message should also include we are
talking about getting to know the person and the accommodations are ancillary.
Adventure Day Preparation Update - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised there are currently 52 vendors signed up to be present. Ms. Hastings advised of new activities to be included at event. Ms. Hastings stated she
advised vendors of activities which were already available and asked if they could come up with different ones so that there would be more variety of activities.
Ms. Hastings advised it will be held on November 2, 2024, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Ms. Hastings stated after trying for a while, she finally was able to have new vendors
which have co-owners and or employ people with disabilities participate at this year’s event. Ms. Hastings stated these vendors are Cakes for a Cause, Rishi Snacks and Zofia Perez My Sensory Art.
Ms. Hastings advised the board reference upcoming Gentle Trick o Treat (Exhibit 2) and same will be provided to board via email.
Community Recreation New Programing - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised of a couple of new Community Recreation programs. Ms. Hastings stated one of the programs is like a currently popular Netflix program called Emily’s Wonder Lab
where a female astronaut is dressed in pink overalls and conducts all types of science experiments. Ms. Hastings advised they had purchased the books and will be conducting science
experiments with her new assistant Leo. Ms. Hastings stated this program is called Leo’s Wonder Lab.
Ms. Hastings advised the second program is E Sports, video games club. Ms. Hastings provided the age and time for this program as well. Ms. Hastings advised at the end of each month there
will a tournament. Ms. Espino advised the group will meet every Tuesday and tournament will take place on the last Saturday of the month. Ms. Hastings advised the name of the winners will
be placed on a trophy which will be displayed at the Youth Center. Ms. Hastings stated flyer will be available soon and will be shared with the board.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by: Vanessa Bedoya / 2nd: Bonnie Blaire / Approved unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned: 11:06am
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: November 6, 2024
Recommended Action
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