Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of November 6, 2019.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Mark Thompson - Special Olympics (Exhibit 1)
Mr. Thompson provided Board informative material regarding Special Olympics mission and services. Mr. Thompson conducted presentation introducing various programs, including
but not limited to young athletes’ programs, county competitions, state competitions, etc. Mr. Thompson distributed and spoke of the Special Olympics basketball training program currently
held at City’s Phillips Park.
Mr. Thompson expressed interest in having more programs within the City of Coral Gables working in conjunction with the Parks department. Ms. Milne asked if participants are
required to be City of Coral Gables residents and she was advised it was open to everyone and residency was not a requirement.
Ms. Vester advised that this is currently a pilot program, however they are looking forward to perhaps conducting a soccer program in spring.
Ms. Paola Villanueva - CILSF (Exhibit 2)
Ms. Villanueva conducted a power point presentation demonstrating the goals of CILSF (Center for Independent Living of South Florida) and the services they provide. Ms. Villanueva
explained requirement is must be a youth participant and advised that it is open to everyone between the ages of 18 to 26. Ms. Villanueva advised of the various trainings which have been
made available such as money management, independent living skills, as well as transition skills from high school to higher education and community. Ms. Villanueva advised there are
currently 20 youth participants of which some are City residents. Ms. Villanueva advised CILSF has also been working closely with the Social Club in Coral Gables.
Ms. Villanueva advised that due to the increase interest in the money management classes which were only being offered during the summertime, the CILSF is offering the class during the
entire year.
Ms. Villanueva advised that one of the weekly activities being conduct is how to use public transportation, where participants are taught how to utilize the trolley system available in the City.
OLD BUSINESS:
Social Club - Ms. Bonnie Blaire
Ms. Blaire advised the growth the Social Club has experienced. Ms. Blaire advised how the participants have been able to also interact with members of the Supper Club. Ms. Blaire advised
how each of these provide and address different needs of the participants.
Adventure Day for All Event - Recap Carolina Vester & Ericka Kofkin (Exhibit 3)
Ms. Kofkin advised a survey was sent to resource vendors and of feedback received regarding this event.
Ms. Kofkin stated first question was regarding which day would be most convenient. Ms. Kofkin advised that the survey reflected Sunday as the better day. Ms. Kofkin stated that when
it came to time and duration of event, the response was that the current time and duration was good. Ms. Kofkin discussed the other survey responses.
Ms. Kofkin addressed the issue of commencing with planning earlier to assure better distribution and marketing of event. Ms. Kofkin provided timeline for next year’s event.
Ms. Elejabarrieta addressed issue of funding of event. Ms. Vester advised that the cost of this year’s event was $20,000 which was a little less than last year’s $25,000 Ms. Elejabarrieta advised
an overview
of cost versus attendance of event needs to be completed to determine best way to go forth regarding future events and funding of same. Ms. Vester also explained process of going
forth regarding requesting City funds to be budgeted for future events. Mr. Thompson (Special Olympics) expressed interest in providing support regarding promoting of future Adventure Day for All event.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Michael vonOssenbrogger - National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
Mr. vonOssenbrogger along with others present addressed the Board regarding implementation of 911 texting services countywide and seeking assistance with this matter. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised that
she is aware of ongoing project regarding this and that it seems that the whole county must be ready to implement service at same time. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised that it would be best for Mr. vonOssenbrogger
to meet with Police Chief Hudak and she will forward information to Chief Hudak.
Mr. Sando advised function of Board, welcoming Mr. vonOsenbrogger to join future meetings as well.
NEXT MEETING: December 4, 2019
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:11am.