Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of July 1, 2026.
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STAFF:
Jose Rodriguez -Human Resources & Risk Management - Assistant Director
Eglys Hernandez - Human Resources & Risk Management - P/T Administrative Assistant
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Debbie Dietz, Citizen Advisor (Via Zoom)
Dr. Jennifer Durocher, University of Miami (Absent)
PUBLIC GUEST:
Mr. Phillip Church - Sitting Pretty (Producer) Via Zoom
Ms. Shawn Buller - Sitting Pretty (Actor) Via Zoom
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 10:00am
MEETING ABSENCE: None
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
June 3, 2026
Ms. Chichester stated at last meeting, June 3, 2026, Debbie Dietz had been marked as absent, when she was present via Zoom. Ms. Chichester stated Agenda sheet needs to be updated to now reflect Clifford Friedman as ADA coordinator and not Raquel Elejabarrieta.
Motion by: Bonnie Blaire / 2nd Wilfredo Jaurequi / Approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
FIU Embrace Disability Conference - Eddy Martinez / Jose Rodriguez (Exhibit 2)
Mr. Martinez shared with the board information he received from FIU regarding upcoming Embrace Disability Conference. Mr. Rodriguez reminded board members that if one or more board members would be attending, to please advise us because that would require it be noticed. Mr. Martinez shared information regarding activities he will be conducting with Summer of Success program.
Mental Health Awareness - Ms. Vanessa Bedoya
Ms. Bedoya stated she wanted this to be something that everyone is talking about. Ms. Bedoya stated that when discussing disabilities, this should be included in the conversations.
OLD BUSINESS:
Sitting Pretty - Director Training - Ms. Justine Chichester (Exhibit 1)
Ms. Chichester provided information regarding Sitting Pretty play and how beneficial it would be to utilize it as training. Ms. Chichester presented guest present via zoom. Mr. Phillip Church, Sitting...
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