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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-16-COD-min.docx Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes for December 16, 2025 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, John Rossi, Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong Town Liaisons: Town Liaisons: Juanica Buchanon, Clinical Engagement and Community Equity Officer; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly, Building Inspector Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights Committee Guests: Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services; Melissa Termine Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic Recreation 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. On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid meeting provisions that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extended pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 through March 31, 2025, and then the Governor signed a bill to further extend the date through June 30, 2027. Announcements and review of minutes The meeting began with a moment of silence to honor the passing of Narain Bhatia, a staunch supporter of the Commission who had been actively involved in town meetings and advocacy efforts. Minutes  No minutes available at this time. Universal Design Resolution for Town Meeting  The resolution was presented at the Select Board’s meeting on December 15. It was strongly supported by the Select Board. There were several questions that related to next steps. Annual Recreation Department Update by Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community Programs, and Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist  Kate presented an overview of the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) department's activities and achievements. She highlighted the department's mission and vision, as well as their investment in inclusive and accessible opportunities. Kate discussed various programs and initiatives, including adaptive aquatics, the All Abilities Fund, and partnerships with local organizations. She also shared success stories and highlighted the department's growth in staff and participants.  The staff and volunteers have taken what they have learned from Lexington back to different college campuses and support Special Olympics and started new Best Buddies chapters.  Looking ahead, Kate mentioned plans to expand programming for different age groups, implement the International Hidden Disability Program – opportunity for self-disclosure with a sunflower – formal launch in January, will expand to aquatics facility in the summer. This model was adopted due to a suggestion that surfaced in the Town Audit. Victoria asked if the Blue Envelope program could be combined with the Sunflower program?  Inclusion grows here – a collage of artwork created by Lexington residents in the Therapeutic Recreation Program.  5 – 7 communities in the area have adopted including Therapeutic Recreation Specialists in their recreation programs.  The 2017 Plan recommendations are ongoing, but the plan is a living document and is updated based on the neighborhoods where children with disabilities reside. Discussion with Juanica Buchanon about interests and concerns  Juanica explained that Lexington is hiring a new HR Director and Internal Equity officer, Luke, along with a Community Engagement Coordinator to form a DEI team. Dana described the Community Engagement Coordinator role as a 15- hour position focused on community outreach, accessibility, and language support, with second-round interviews scheduled for the week. The team discussed the importance of rebuilding trust and engaging with underrepresented communities, with Victoria expressing support for the initiative despite its transfer from town manager to community center oversight. New business  Willard’s Woods Path–Shaun suggested that we get an update from the Conservation Commission on the status of the upgrades to the pathways, and reopen the discussion about the possibility of further accessibility upgrades.  Russian School of Math–Jim Kelly shared that they have moved to 25 Depot Square, at the old Yangtze River Restaurant space.  46 Massachusetts Ave – MA France – no inside seating due to older zoning requirements. The building is not accessible, but the bathroom must be. There are a lot of non-accessible retail spaces. Victoria will reach out to Michael Muehe for input. Adjourned 7:23 pm Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack