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Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes —July 12, 2018 Members Present: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz Town Liaisons: Jeffrey Toronto, Human Rights Committee Minutes The Minutes for May, June, July will be voted on at our next meeting. Discussion about the Centre Streetscape public hearing held on June 11 We remain concerned that cost considerations have not been fully calculated. We continue to advocate for a comparative analysis of the cost differences and integrated maintenance costs between brick and concrete. We appreciate that the curb cuts are designed in-line with the path of travel as opposed to on the corner of intersections. That said, we are also very concerned about the introduction of all brick curb cuts. These new curb cuts will be introduced into the areas that are classified as brick sidewalks. The design includes a gray border made of concrete to signal the outside perimeter of the curb cut, and a red rumble plate. Our concern is multifaceted: we are concerned about weak to poor color contrast of the gray border and rumble plate. This choice of colors is discouraged by the ADA, according to a technical brief(https://www.accessboard.gov/research/completed- research/visual-detection-of-detectable-warning-materials/technical-brief). We are already concerned about the structural integrity of brick as a reliable and stable surface. Extending brick as a surface into a sloped area such as a curb cut is even more likely to experience structural failure. We will ask to speak to DPW about our grave concerns. Overall, we remain discouraged that the community is continuing to advocate for brick surfaces. The conversation seems stuck on smoothness when in fact it is a more dynamic challenge for individuals across different disabilities. Disparate Suspension Rates in LPS As the School Committee has not been meeting and a new Superintendent has just come on board Update on work with Human Rights Committee concerning disparate suspension rates for disabled and African-American students —especially regarding School Committee meetings Update on Follen Church They have received their variances. We are pleased that they are able to proceed with construction and that the Church will become more accessible. Additional New Business Commission Work Plan for the Coming Year Build more awareness through public meetings, and target meetings with different organizations and town officials. Suggestions include the Council on Aging, Special Needs Parents Advisory Council, the new Superintendent, Town Officials, Town Meeting Member Association, and monthly information sessions at different locations and times, perhaps the Library, Town Hall, or the Community Center. Minutes respectfully submitted, Susan Cusack