Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of January 18, 2022.
Body
QUORUM: In-Person Quorum was reached.
Meeting was called to order at 4:51pm.
Ms. Palacio introduced all the Board members as well as others present to the audience.
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
December 1, 2021
Motion by Blake Sando / 2nd Motion: Philippa Milne / All approved unanimously
County Commissioner Raquel Regalado - Initiatives for Individuals with Disabilities
Ms. Palacio introduced Commissioner Regalado and advised of all present via zoom.
Commissioner Regalado addressed everyone present. Commissioner Regalado shared various experiences and challenges faced in past as well as currently regarding having a neurodivergent child.
Commissioner Regalado stated the following were initiatives as well as discussions which have commenced and should continue:
• Importance of making information regarding available resources easily accessible to all parents/care givers of neurodivergent people.
• Continuing of early intervention assistance for families and expanding same further into older years
• Make parents aware of importance to instill in their children at a much younger age regarding vocational experiences.
• Learning how to best identify the needs regarding work force.
• Providing proper training for employees to assure better interaction.
• Setting up tracking regarding skill set evaluations commencing at an earlier age to determine the strengths and weakness of a young neurodivergent individuals.
• Discussing employment opportunities with neurodivergent individuals while they are still in school.
• Assure equal pay for their work.
• Having a transit system in place accommodated for their needs.
• Making sure accommodations are made available whenever necessary and possible.
• Making sure a neurodivergent person is part of any board or initiative addressing their needs.
• Providing situations where neurodivergent people can express their feelings, needs and abilities.
• Setting up tracking regarding skill set evaluations commencing at an earlier age to determine possible employment opportunities.
Resolution regarding Self-Contained Classrooms - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided update in reference to Resolution passed by the Advisory on Disability Affairs Board last month regarding Self-Contained Classrooms. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Resolution will be presented at upcoming January 25, 2022, Commission meeting. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised the City’s School Community Relations Committee also passed a similar Resolution which will be presented during same Commission meeting.
My Squad - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided background regarding this program for adults with intellectual and mental disabilities. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised upcoming event is scheduled at the Biltmore Hotel for Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 6:00pm to 9:00pm and it is Pickleball and Pizza. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated they are expecting a bigger turn out and will be held outside. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised at past events, there have usually been around ten to twenty participants with disabilities and expect the same or perhaps more for this upcoming event.
Ms. Palacio addressed Ms. Fernandez and Ms. De Moya regarding seeking their support with promoting these events to their participants. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated this was a great idea and would be forwarding information of event to their organizations.
Ms. Milne stated it is a three-hour long event which is great, and dinner is provided.
G.U.I.D.E. - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided information regarding the G.U.I.D.E program to all present. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised approximately ten families are currently registered and City is in process of reaching out to them.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: February 2, 2022
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 6:45pm
Motion by Adjourn: Philippa Milne / 2nd Motion: Blake Sando / All approved unanimously.