Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of March 17, 2021.
Body
Quorum in person reached.
NEW BUSINESS:
Upcoming Commission Meeting - March 23, 2021 - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Presentation of Resolution (Principles of Inclusion for Individuals with Autism) Proclamation
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Board of upcoming Commission meeting to be held on March 23, 2021 and that due to the elections, there would not be a meeting in April. As such, a Proclamation regarding Principles of Inclusion for Individuals
with Autism would be presented at the March 23rd meeting. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she would like the Police Department to be presented with this Proclamation because of all their participation in the Autism Vehicle, GUIDE, etc.
Adventure Day - October 2021 / Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she has received inquiries regarding hosting Adventure Day event this year. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated if it were something Board would like to proceed with, it is time to come up with ideas, keeping in mind event
due to COVID-19 would be modified and safe.
Ms. Liebl stated she has been reading regarding re-opening Miami however none address how to do so keeping in mind persons with disabilities in the community. Ms. Liebl discussed regarding artificial intelligence and feels now is the time
to brainstorm how to go forth re-opening Miami making it compassionate and inclusive for all. Ms. Liebl spoke of a video currently viral on social media (Jerusalema Dance Challenge) and that perhaps City can create a similar one focusing
on what it is doing regarding hiring persons with disabilities. Ms. Liebl stated video can showcase what City of Coral Gables is doing and ask other cities what their efforts regarding this issue are. Ms. Liebl stated video can reflect
companies like Badia which have hired individuals with disabilities to package spices. Ms. Liebl stated she would like for tables to be available at Adventure Day regarding hiring process. Ms. Liebl feels creating a video would be inexpensive
and it could go viral. Ms. Liebl advised Advocacy Network representative has offered to put on a seminar on how to hire, train, basically complete hiring process at the Chamber for companies and would like to ask Mr. Comellas if Chamber
will provide time for this. Ms. Liebl stated she would like for companies to have hiring booths available at Adventure Day event as well.
Ms. Milne advised she is aware of Jerusalema Dance Challenge video Ms. Liebl spoke of and had sent it to Best Buddies asking if it would be possible to create something similar. Ms. Milne stated perhaps the City should consider creating
a position of an official good will Ambassador or Ambassadors which will change yearly, who can represent the City of Coral Gables disabled community at events, such as mask distribution or Chambers’ breakfast, etc. Ms. Liebl states
she believes this would be a great idea.
Ms. Liebl asked for discussion to go back regarding creating video. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she feels it is best for Ms. Pantin to be included in next meeting to further discuss. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Ms. Pantin after research conducted,
expressed videos are not a good method of communication due to people not viewing them completely.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she agrees regarding having a person with disabilities attend the Chambers’ breakfast perhaps as a greeter, however, believes due to all the current issues and situations it may not be a good time to do so.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she feels Chamber at this time has difficulties they are dealing with; one being trying to figure out going forth with in person breakfast events.
Ms. Palacio-Pike shared her experience at a conference she recently attended and stated focus of this conference was employment regarding persons with disabilities. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated regarding funds they received for the creation
of car washes for persons with disabilities and how the foundation makes their information available to everyone. Ms. Liebl stated she would like to address Mr. Comellas directly. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she believes she can do so, due to
Mr. Comellas not being a voting member, however she will check with legal and get back to make Ms. Liebl.
Ms. Liebl stated she believes to some extent, it is the City’s responsibility to assure its’ residents have healthy, happy lives and unless these individuals can become independent how can this be achieved. Ms. Liebl stated with the City’s
help this may be possible, however she is not clear what would be the City’s role.
Ms. Milne shared she believes for hiring and employment to be successful, it is best for individuals with disabilities to have access to a job coach and perhaps City should consider this going forth. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she is aware
Best Buddies provides this assistance.
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she likes the idea of incorporating tables regarding employment opportunities and requests Board to brainstorm other ideas for upcoming Adventure Day October 2021 event to be discussed at future meetings.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she is aware City of Miami has a department which handles hiring of persons with disabilities and can ask one of her contacts regarding information.
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised of conversation with Mr. Samuel Joseph, School Community Relations Committee (SCRC) Board member, of upcoming quorum for Mayor and Commissioner candidates where question regarding mandatory training
for Police and Fire when contact with persons with disabilities will again be addressed. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she mentioned the registry to Mr. Joseph and he stated he had no information regarding this. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised it has
not been addressed with commission yet due to ongoing process, however she is scheduled to attend upcoming (SCRC) meeting to request their assistance in promoting registry.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated in the past fliers of Adventure Day event disbursed to schools have ended up not being distributed and she feels going forth information regarding this and even registry, City should reach out to the Special Aide teachers.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she feels that making a personal contact with the school’s principal would be best. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised that is reason why she will be making a presentation of the GUIDE program to the SCRC Board, because
they have contact with school board and would know how to best proceed.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Ms. Dietz commented on the Zoom chat regarding Ambassador, perhaps person should join Board and then serve as Ambassador.
Ms. Milne asked regarding how long Autism Vehicle will be available. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised this vehicle will be assigned to an Officer and will always be in service. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised vehicle after spring break will be taken
to Crystal Academy. Ms. Liebl asked that she be informed in order to attend.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update: Voluntary Information Database Program for Individuals with Disabilities
Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated there are a couple of internal issues which need to be addressed and she believes that a meeting scheduled with Ms. Dietz will help navigate with this. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated they are also working with Cities such
as Miami Beach who have this program. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Board will be kept up to date regarding this program. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised they are still looking into pushing out this program in April 2021.
Disability Awareness Program - Clear Mask Distribution - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised masks were ordered and received. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised an invite may be going out regarding scheduling of meeting with Mr. Julian Perez, Economic Development Director, to discuss best form of mask distributions
to businesses. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Crystal Academy had expressed their interest in participating with distribution. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated it is important to discuss which would be the best way to reach businesses within the City. Ms. Elejabarrieta
stated this could be via Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, whereas City can visit and address them, or they can come to City and meet. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Director Perez had volunteered to come in on a Saturday to conduct distribution of masks
at some of the businesses. Ms. Pippa asked who would be conducting distribution with Mr. Perez. Ms. Pippa stated she feels it would be best if an individual with a disability joined Mr. Perez and depending on day, she would volunteer her son to do so.
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised she can participate with her son David on weekend. Ms. Liebl stated perhaps kids from Crystal Academy can assist with distribution at the smaller businesses and Director Perez can conduct the distribution at the larger locations,
such as restaurants.
Update Ref Police Autism Vehicle - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised design has been finalized and hopes that police vehicle it will be ready by Friday. Ms. Elejabarrieta provided Board with images of what final design would look like.
Board Members Terms:
Ms. Elejabarrieta addressed Board regarding some concerns expressed by members about their appointment and upcoming elections. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised they remain a board member until the Commissioner either re-appoints member or
appoints someone else. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she believes it is best for each Board member to contact the Commissioner, including if it changes and express their interest in continuing as a Board member.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
NEXT MEETING: To be determined
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 11:06am