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Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of September 9, 2020.
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The Advocacy Network on Disabilities- Ms. Ira Diaz
Ms. Diaz advised Board regarding data available of Coral Gables residents which have contacted their office between the time from of mid-March and August reflecting a 50% increase in calls.
Ms. Diaz advised approximately 25% of the calls were regarding seeking financial assistance. Other assistance being requested is by seniors seeking in-house support and parents regarding
education and children with special needs. Ms. Diaz advised she has been made aware of efforts conducted by various departments within the City such as assistance with groceries. Ms. Diaz
stated one of the biggest challenges is issue regarding care givers. Ms. Diaz stated there is both a concern regarding having care givers go into homes and shortage of caregivers available.
Ms. Diaz also spoke of importance to have mask which provide access to view mouth or shields in order to facilitate communications.
Ms. Diaz advised of grants they have received via Children’s Trust Fund and services they have been able to provide. Mr. Sando asked how families can be made aware of these programs.
Ms. Diaz advised it would be best for families to contact them directly and provided phone number 305.596.1160. Ms. Diaz advised once a family contacts them no matter what their situation
is a complete a complete assessment is conducted to identify best services they can acquire. Ms. Milne asked if it would be possible to have Ms. Diaz information placed on email sent to Coral
Gables residents advising of their availability and Ms. Elejabarrieta stated it could be.
Salvadore Park Expansion- Ms. Carolina Vester Parks & Recreation
Ms. Vester presented Board power point detailing expansion of Salvadore Park and its inclusive project. Ms. Vester explained upgrades to make restrooms accessible and installation of
various new accessible to all playground equipment. Ms. Vester stated that only one existing tree which does have rot already will be removed and replaced with new tree. Ms. Vester
advised Board of upcoming virtual community meeting and the importance of their presence at this meeting in order to be voices heard which are in favor of this project. Board was provided
with meeting registration information in previous email, during this presentation and reminder prior to meeting will also be sent out. Ms. Vester asked and welcomed comments
from the Board and guest, also advised they can be made in writing via parksprojectscoralgables.com. Ms. Whitehurst asked regarding what light bollards were and Ms. Vester explained they
are low impact lights in post propped up throughout area. Ms. Diaz stated that she was impressed with the scope of the project and suggested if it would be possible to research if the installation
of some type of seatbelt can be considered in the swing or merry go round to accommodate children with lack of muscle retention. Ms. Diaz also stated that she believes the light bollards can provide
parents with barrier for their children identify as space they are to stay within. Ms. Vester advised she will contact the equipment manufacture and discuss this possibility. Ms. Blaire asked regarding
the sticks utilized in the music playground instrument, how were they secured. Ms. Vester advised they are connected to the instrument itself and if misplaced, would be replaced upon needed.
Ms. Blaire asked regarding cool area available at the playground. Ms. Vester stated in the playground there is not a cool area, however surrounding area has plenty of natural shading by canopies of trees.
Ms. Blaire asked regarding benches having internet. Ms. Vester stated benches are solar generated and do have access to charge device but do not provide WI-FI. Ms. Vester stated that WI-FI will be
available that the park itself.
Activities for Month of October
Ms. Liebl suggested a video be made reflecting accomplishments achieved and Board to introduce itself. Ms. Whitehurst suggested instead of a video, if the City could do banners recognizing October as
Disability Month and placing same throughout City. Ms. Liebl agreed with both options. Mr. Sando stated he agreed that banners would be a good idea and asked if a business would be recognized (Business Award)
again this year. Ms. Liebl advised Business Award presentation would be conducted by Chamber of Commerce at their award ceremony. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she would look into and advise Board.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised City would be recognizing Disability Month at commission meeting. Ms. Palacio-Pike agreed in regard to making a short video. After further discussion, it was agreed to review
and investigate if there is a possibility of conducting video. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she would be contacting CGTV staff and accessing possibility of producing video as well as checking into banners.
Voluntary Registry Program - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised of program in place at Miami Beach. Ms. Elejabarrieta presented on Miami Beach website form available. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised City is in review of their program and have
reached out to Miami Beach to further discuss. Mr. Sando stated he felt this was a great idea, suggested if possible having a place where family can upload a picture of their loved one and an area where
the number provided by Safety Net System can also be added. Mr. Sando believes these two additions will further assist law enforcement and families. Ms. Whitehurst stated she is concern regarding
assuring the safety of this information and it remain private. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised City is looking at this carefully and considering issues such as public records request compliance, privacy, safety
retainment of information, etc. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated will provide at next meeting progress regarding this project.
Additional information - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Appointing of Ex-Officio Member - Ms. Elejabarrieta advised request made by Board during March 4, 2020 meeting will be presented in Resolution form at September 22, 2020 upcoming City commission meeting.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Board during July 14, 2020 commission meeting, City presented Proclamation declaring July 26, 2020 as “ADA 30th Anniversary and Commemoration Day” in Coral Gables.
Mask - Ms. Elejabarrieta informed Board City purchased several of these masks and has provided same to employees.