2020-09-21-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Minutes from September 21, 2020 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Leonard Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Susan Cusack, Francine Stieglitz, Michael Martignetti Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Joe Pato, Select Board Commission Liaisons: Georgia Swann, HDC; Bonnie Levin, COA Guests:Johnny Cole, Director of Equity & Student Services; Ellen Sugita, Special Education Director; Mona Roy, Chair HDC NOTE:The meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Monday, September 21, 2020, at 4:30 PM, conducted by Remote Participation, via Zoom, an online meeting platform. The meeting started with the reading of Governor Baker's orders. Minutes for July Minutes for July were accepted. Tribute to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg from AAPD "Justice Ginsburg authored many opinions that embraced the principles of the disability rights movement and addressed the ways that paternalism so often results in our segregation from society. She authored the majority opinion in Olmstead v L.C., a decision which held that people with disabilities have a right to live integrated in our communities, not segregated within institutions. Her life's work directly benefited the lives of millions of individuals with disabilities and our country as a whole. We will continue to build upon her legacy and fight for justice and equal treatment under the law. May her memory be a blessing." Discipline Disparities in LPS—Johnny Cole Johnny Cole, Director of Equity and Student Support for LPS, discussed suspension disparities. Since the pandemic, there is little new data. There are several trainings that have been started using the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and CPI curriculum. It is important to track the antecedents to behaviors and standardize the tracking forms. A systematic approach to address racism and oppression is needed. Fall Plans for Special Education— Ellen Sugita, Special Education Director So far there have been two weeks of school and everyone is getting acclimated to the changes due to the pandemic. For some students, OTs have shared lists of activities and resources for home use. The use of document cameras is also a technical concern. This technology can help OTs more clearly show students fine motor activities. Families, however, could use a similar technology so OTs can see the fine motor movement of students. A work around could be to use a mobile device like an iPad or cell phone but families would need to be guided through the steps of building a stable mobile device stand and connecting an extra device to the video conference session. LPS is using Jessica Minahan's equity training. The emphasis is on trauma-informed teaching. The masks are difficult for student with special needs since 80% of communication is non-verbal and cannot be seen well with masks. School is at the rate of 30% remote; if the schools need to move to full remote, in-person teaching is important for students in special education services. The compensatory services plans will be complete by 12/15. 1