HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-01-COD-min Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes -February 1, 2018
Members Present: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Janet Perry,
Michael Martignetti, Susan Cusack
Town Liaisons: Sandy Beebee, Capital Expenditure Committee; Bonnie Teiteleman,
Council on Aging
Guests: Koren Stembridge, Cary Public Library Director; Peter Noonan, Supportive Living
Inc. (Douglas House)
Agenda:
Agenda
1. Review of minutes of last meeting —the minutes were accepted.
2. New business was discussed about the cart path in Willards Woods, which
has been on the Recreation list for improvements since 2000 but has not
been done. Since this is the main access for people using wheelchairs or
walkers as well as school children, our Commission should check on this.
Sandy Beebee from CEC thought it was on the list for upcoming repairs;
she will check the list and contact Victoria, who will then contact the
Conservation Commission and the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
3. Koren Stembridge, Director of Cary Memorial Library came to share how
the library has been attempting to improve their effort to be inclusive and
accessible to all members of the community. They have improved signage
in the large community meeting room about the availability of assisted
listening devices. The library's strategic plan ended in 2017 and they are
working on their new plan. The Commission mentioned concern about the
poor lighting and limited visual differentiation of the front steps for
individuals with vision impairments. We also talked about how hard it is to
park due to general shortage of spaces. Koren talked about increased
outreach efforts to different constituents, including the Lexington Special
Needs Parents Advisory Council to seek input about ways to improve
programming. The library is working on renovating plans for the children's
room to include universal design and wants input about how to serve people
on the autism spectrum. Koren invited the Commission to come for a tour.
We were encouraged by the welcoming stance that the library is taking to
seek and receive input from the community.
4. Peter Noonan, President of Supportive Living, spoke to the Commission
concerning the new project at Douglas House. He shared the revised plans
for 9 Oakland Street. We voted unanimously to accept changes from his
original plans since the new plans include an accessible path and entryway
to the second floor. Victoria will write an endorsement letter from the
Commission.
5. Update on survey was discussed concerning disparate suspension rates for
disabled and black students. Distributing the survey has been supported by
the School Committee and is proceeding with the support of key Lexington
Public School Administrators. The survey will now be translated into
Korean and Mandarin. The goal is to put it out to parents in February.
6. Questions were raised about the status of the Minuteman Regional
Vocational High School construction as well as work at Diamond and
Clarke. Victoria will contact Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner, for
updates.
Respectfully Submitted by Sue Cusack