HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-04-EC-update.pdf Enablement Committee
Agenda and Minutes and Subsequent Actions Taken
Friday May 4 2001 at 1:30 p.m.
Ground Floor Meeting Room
Next Meeting
Friday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Assignments
Jill Manning — In relation to 2020 strategic planning,what provisions have been made to consider
future needs of people with disabilities? Steve Baran suggested that the Vision 2020 report be
reviewed to see if any references were made to planning for people with disabilities before
contacting the 2020 staff.
Darlene Adams— How can CVS be made accessible from the rear considering that this is where
the parking is?Who owns the building? Darlene Adams was unable to attend the meeting.
Bob Harris stated that a ramp can be built that would double back.
Pat Gardiner—What does the Architectural Access law stipulate in regard to accessible
bathrooms in facilities like Wilson Farms? Pat unable to attend; no report from her
Barbara Barrows and Steve Baran—Report on curb cuts, accessibility of Buckman Tavern and
the Visitors' Center Pat and Steve submitted a written report. It was suggested that Marcy
Quill, Director, Chamber of Commerce, be invited to join the Committee.Steve Baran will
contact her Barbara will follow up with Wayne Brooks to see if crosswalks have been
painted. Heather Sweeney will talk with Bill Hadley about request for curb cuts.
Barbara Barrows—report on signage at the front entrance to Town Hall; signs at side and rear
entrances telling people with disabilities, and the general public, how they can get to the
elevators; report on Liberty Mutual access from sidewalk. Barbara Barrows will follow up to
determine what has been accomplished.
Steve Baran—to notify Linda Vine how he should be listed in Town Directory; progress on
Tropeano requests; updated list of Enablement Committee members; check on height of signs at
Wilson Farm. Steve sent email to Linda Vine re town directory,will follow up with her Bob
Harris reviewed Tropeano issues at 44 Waltham Street—one handicapped space not
painted, no elevator inspection, elevator not handicap accessible. Darlene Adams will
check further Jill brought up previously issues of widths of doors and lever handles.
Steve Baran found signs at Wilson Farm to be in compliance.
Old business
Meeting with Margaret Donovan who came to last meeting to talk about technical aids for people
with disabilities—see correspondence re questions about library which were forwarded to Carol
Mahoney and answered by her Steve to follow up with Heather Sweeney to determine any
concerns of Carol Mahoney with respect to communicating with the Enablement
Committee.
Meeting with Recreation Committee on reduced rates for people with disabilities. Steve
explained that the Recreation Committee planned to discuss the request in a meeting
subsequent to the one attended by Barbara Barrows and Steve Baran and then formally
reply
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Pam Varrin who is a member of the Recreation Committee and present at Enablement
Committee meeting questioned initiating a policy that would assume that all people with
disabilities are low income and unable to pay fees. This is the view, however, of the
Enablement Committee with Bob noting that small increase in numbers of users with
disabilities would have little impact on Recreation budget. Bob Harris further noted that
Walden Pond which is under federal jurisdiction is free for handicapped users. He will
provide Steve Baran with a list of U.S. government facilities which are free for people with
disabilities.
Pam referred to innovations being undertaken by the Recreation Dept. at the Old Res to
benefit people with disabilities—ramp passage (without rails)to water's edge and special
wheelchairs to traverse sand. Enablement Committee members suggested there be at
least one rail.
The Enablement Committee suggested that there be handicapped parking made available
at the Bridge Street lot(currently used by lifeguards).
Darlene Adams mentioned that the Recreation Dept. bulletin does not make any mention
of scholarships being available.The Enablement Committee suggested corporate
sponsorship of scholarships, should this be necessary
Day care building— needs railing in hallway and grab bar Steve Baran passed request on to
Heather Sweeney after receiving measurements from Carolyn Griffiths, Director of the day
care program.
New business
Lexpress transportation—as previously discussed by Jill Manning; Steve Baran talked with
Pauline Burke. What was the outcome?There are concerns about sensitivity training, especially
for drivers on weekends; lift accessibility and driver knowledge about how to operate the lifts.
Steve Baran was asked to invite representatives from bus company and DPW. First, he will
again contact Pauline Burke of DPW re history and response, also involve Heather
Sweeney, Director,Social Services Services Dept. Other concerns include installation of
seat belts, drivers driving too fast, and relative lack of experience of weekend drivers.
Pay as you Throw—concerns of seniors and people with disabilities. Steve will invite Matt
Zedek, Director of Pay as You Throw,to next meeting of the Enablement Committee.
Press coverage—It was suggested that Eva Heney who has done articles on the Enablement
Committee in the past be invited to a subsequent meeting when it would be newsworthy It was
noted that the town has been in continuous violation of Architectural Access Board regulations for
a number of years.
Library elevator at Cary Hall—accessible only with key no braille, although this is a three year-
old elevator
Hayden Recreation Centre— not in compliance
Munroe Center for the Arts, 1403 Mass. Ave.—not in compliance