Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting September 4, 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
PUBLIC GUEST:
Dr. Laura S. Olivos, Olive Tree Psychology
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 10:06am
MEETING ABSENCE: None
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
August 7, 2024
Motion by: Bonnie Blaire / 2nd Jennifer Ward Sando / Approved unanimously.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
Training Update - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated that training for directors is still being reviewed. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised Ms. Moss will not be available for the rest of this year, however, Ms. Shelly Baer is available and stated there is another young man with autism who is willing to participate. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated another great speaker would be Ms. Justine Chichester. Ms. Blaire stated perhaps it would be best for board to identify the message it would like to convey and if this is known it would be helpful to decide how to best go forth.
Board continued discussion of how to proceed, perhaps conducting training regarding different types of disabilities. Ms. Chichester stated she would be happy to meet with Ms. Baer and gentleman Ms. Palacio-Pike mentioned. Ms. Elejabarrieta shared with board power point from original training, and You tube video which was shown at training.
Adventure Day Update - Ms. Catie Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised board of new date for event and provided information regarding new activities
and shared with board power point. Ms. Hastings advised all vendor tents have been reserved and they continue to accept more interested vendors who are willing to double up. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised board if they are aware of any vendors which still maybe interested in participating have them contact Ms. Hastings directly.
Ms. Espino provided information regarding the possibility of having commissioner participate or lead an
activity. Board continued to further discuss suggestions such as a dance, song, etc. Ms. Bedoya suggested having them make bubbles, which can be accompanied by music. Ms. Espino they will continue to review how to best go forth with this and will keep board posted.
Ms. Hastings stated most vendors have stated on their application they will have sensory activities at their tent. Ms. Palacio-Pike asked if it would be possible to communicate with the vendors and ask that not all provide the same type of activity. Ms. Espino stated perhaps Ms. Hastings can review the first few applications received, advise those they can go forth with the sensory activities and then speak to the other vendors and suggest perhaps they provide a different type of activity.
ReelAbilities Event - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings provided board with schedule and information of the movies which have been chosen to be featured that this event. Ms. Hastings advised on Friday, the first night, they will be showing five kid friendly movies and how different each will be. Ms. Hastings advised on the Saturday, the second night they will be showing the movie “Rebound” which is about basketball and is working on setting up a basketball clinic as well. Ms. Hastings advise on Sunday, the last day, there will be two movies which were ranked the highest by the committee, being shown. Ms. Hastings stated one a short film called “To My Father”, immediately followed by a feature film called “Name Me Lawand” of how a child makes friends via soccer. Ms. Hastings stated FIFA will be the headliner for that film. Ms. Hastings stated there are a couple of options regarding venue where these will be shown at.
Accessibility of Special Events - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised ideas discussed at prior board meetings were taken to legal and it was
determined they would further review the ordinance in place and advise how it would be best to proceed.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised once a draft of the ordinance is available, which the idea is to have it ready for
October Disability Awareness month, she will provide to board. Ms. Blaire asked if the city has the
ability in the ordinance to construct fines. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she did not know but would address
with legal and advise board.
Update - Path on Granada Golf Course - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised on the county side, Anderson, it is on schedule, and they are having some
community meeting regarding lighting. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised on the Sevilla side, which is city’s side,
currently the city is waiting for proposals from contractors.
Update - On Accessibility of the Youth Center - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised staff is working with consultants and public works to address main accessibility
issue within the next few months.
Ms. Elejabarrieta asked if Ms. Dietz (D.I.G.) would be available for the upcoming October 8, 2024, to
receive the Proclamation and Ms. Dietz confirmed will be available.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Ms. Chichester email she had provided regarding concern expressed by teachers
of Ponce Middle school, and traffic signal was being sent to Ms. DeZayas to further research. Ms.
Chichester stated the teachers advised the traffic signal were installed incorrectly by being too far away from cross walks. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated as soon as she receives more information, it will be sent to Ms. Chichester.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by: Ms. Bonnie Blaire / 2nd: Ms. Jennifer Ward Sando / Approved unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:56am
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: October 2, 2024
Recommended Action
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