HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-15-COD-min 1
Commission on Disability
November 15, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet
Perry, Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer
Committee Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman, Council on Aging; Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures
Committee; Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights Committee
Guests: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community Programs; Kate DeAngelis,
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist; David Pinsonneault, Public Works Director; Ann Webster
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open
Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 and subsequent Orders
imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting
of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via remote participation to the
greatest extent possible.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain State of
Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the
provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023. Specifically, this extension
allows public bodies to continue holding meetings remotely without a quorum of the public
body physically present at a meeting location, and to provide "adequate, alternative" access to
remote meetings. The Act does not make any new changes to the Open Meeting Law other
than extending the expiration date of the temporary provisions regarding remote meetings.
Welcome Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer
Presentation by Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Melissa Battite,
Director of Recreation & Community Programs - updates on Therapeutic Recreation and
Capital projects
Kate DeAngelis is now fulltime in her role leading Therapeutic Recreation programming in
Lexington. This is confirmation of the strength of her work and the growing need for her
expertise. She offered the following updates in a detailed presentation:
• An invested $2K was made to train all staff in inclusive strategies.
• Tri-Town training provided about support, behavior management, and how to ensure an
inclusive experience for all participants.
• This past summer there were 14 inclusion aides, 4% of participants in summer
programming identified with disabilities and needed support. This data aligns with the
larger demographic information about Lexington residents.
• She shared a lovely anecdote that demonstrates the power of these efforts. After three
years of tailored programming, the team successfully created an experience for a young
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person where he was interested, thriving, and participating with his peers for the first
time because of inclusive programming.
• One of the counselors created a video about the many benefits of their experience in
the program.
• The programs have used students from Regis College and University of Maine.
• The need for this inclusive programming has increased from 35 in 2021 participants to
205 requests with 73 participants in 2022.
• There have been several grants, from American Camp Association, USTA (tennis), Dana
Home (intergenerational)
• They are implementing a multi-generational sensory integration room at the community
center.
Melissa Battite offered the following updates:
• LPS has 55 new students that have identified with needs since the beginning of the
school year.
• 2017 they completed their ADA study and are working to implement the items
gathered during the audit.
• The Center Track has been improved and the Community Center now has an
accessible walkway all the way around now.
• The Sutherland Playground project is using a new poured-in-place (PIP) surface.
• Rindge Park has been going through updates but it requires collaboration with
Arlington as much of the property sits in Arlington.
• An accessible swing has been added in Lincoln Park.
• Center Rec restrooms have been approved for funding; the time frame has the
project going out to bids completed by mid-spring.
• Melissa asked that someone sit on the committee reviewing the Lincoln Park Master
Plan, which involves updating the 5 athletic fields, renovating the field house,
building a shed. This involves money from the Recreation Enterprise Fund, capital
funds and CPA funds.
• They are hoping to purchase iPads to enhance communication within the program
and will be asking for funding for this.
• Kate has been honored nationally for her work.
Discussion about intersection of bicycle safety and pedestrians with disabilities – from Bicycle
Advisory Committee meeting – Janet Perry and Victoria Buckley
• For the new round-about at the Battle Green there is a plan to allow bicycles to use part
of the sidewalk. More discussion is needed. New signs are being proposed for the Bike
Path for safety.
UA Trails – Francine Stieglitz
• This is an area where we need to take our research and suggestions to sort out issues
for pedestrians and bikes on the UA trails. Amber Carr may attend a future meeting.
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Update concerning Willard’s Woods design from Conservation Committee meeting – Victoria
Buckley
• Suggestion was made to review the plans again, to have a better sense of the trails.
• Conservation Committee or Amber Carr may be able to share the plans
• There was a meeting on Nov 7th with a design presentation for the UA Trails from KZLA,
which discussed material choices and different pathway designs.
New Business
• Victoria experienced a hybrid meeting and she is concerned that the model is not
conducive for individuals with hearing loss.
• Concerns were voiced about making sure the Farmers Market is fully accessible, since it
is temporarily at the Worthen Road Practice Field. Mark Sandeen suggested that he
could address this issue.
• At Hastings School, there is a bump in the front entrance. Jim Kelly said that Mike Cronin
will cut into the pavement and put in a visual stripe to increase awareness of the
transition. Jim recommended that Mike come to the Commission before he does
anything to keep us in the loop.
• At the Lexington Golf Club on Hill Street, there are plans to tear down the existing club
building and build a new one with a 3-stop elevator and with accessible entry ways.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack and Victoria Buckley