HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-21-COD-min 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.
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Sue suggested that remote learning creates new opportunities and new demands on
families and the schools for the use of technology. Technologies that support access to print
include text-to-speech and screen readers, and voice recognition can help with the writing
process. And for asynchronous communication, student generated podcasts (audio files) and
video may be helpful.
New Business
Concerns about changes in RIDE operations brought up by resident will be checked on
by Michael M.
Shaun is following up with DPW about accessibility of Center business entrances.
Mona Roy asked for volunteers for two HRC projects. The first is for No Hate November
being coordinated by Georgia Swann. Commission members Janet and Julie volunteered to
help. The second is to form a working group concerning the effects of the pandemic on those
with disabilities. Shaun and Victoria volunteered for the working group. The Commission voted
to support the co-sponsoring of a proclamation for October as Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Update on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles
The articles mostly involve zoning changes. Janet and Victoria will keep the Commission
updated.
Respectfully submitted: Victoria Buckley
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