HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-03-EC-min� j
Town of Lexington
Commission on Disability
Minutes for December 3, 2003 Meeting
Present: Jennifer Aliber, Victoria Buckley (Chair), Charles Cole, Sue Cusack, Richard Landau,
Len Morse - Fortier, Michael Martignetti, Bill Kennedy (Selectmen Representative), Michael
Novack (Town of Lexington)
Absent: Dan Perez (appointment pending)
November Minutes approved with minor corrections.
Walk- Through at New Library: It was suggested that we schedule a walls- through prior to the
opening of the library. Victoria will raise this through the DRT (Design/Development Review
Team)
The Cary Hall Re -Use Committee: Accessibility issues exist related to bathroom, door, and
hearing assistance, we will be following up with the committee to make sure these issues are
included in any future structuring of the space.
FM Amplification Systems: The Selectman's Meeting room is hard wired for the FM
amplification system. It is permanently built into the Museum auditorium; it is also possible to
pull together a similar system at Clarke MS if there is prior notification.
Town Meeting Access Issues: Sue will meet with Hank Manz, chair of the TMMA Executive
Board to address concerns about the accessibility of Town Meeting. These public access
concerns include:
• Adequate parking (may need to add a few for the event)
• Accessible seating for TTM and citizens
• Accessible bathrooms
• Accessibility of the microphones /comment structure
• Auditory accommodations
• Visual display protocol
• Minimum font requirement for handouts
• Dissemination strategy to alert TMM and citizens about the accommodations that are available.
(for example - Michael Novack can assist securing ASL interpreters and FM amplification
systems)
Strategy for Building Awareness about Public Accommodations: The town currently can
make accommodations for citizens but in some instances prior notification is necessary (sign
interpreters, FM systems). It was suggested that we encourage the Town Clerk and other
Committees and Commissions to insert a footer on their public meetings notices that clearly
states that accommodations are available upon request, and that these requests be directed to
Michael Novack.
2003 Annual Report: Highlights were developed and submitted by Victoria, appended to the
end of November minutes. It was suggested that the bullet on the grievance process be more
descriptive to help inform interested citizens of its purpose.
Web Site: Minor changes suggested:
• Add a paragraph about the Commission's interest in facilitating concerns flrom the community
about access issues with contact information for Michael Novack, Town of Lexington ADA
Coordinator, and the commission members;
• Include a link to the grievance form;
• Add some web based resources (state and federal).
Future agenda Item:
Continue discussion on public accommodations
Mise: Churches are covered by the Architectural Barriers codes of the state once you cross a
certain renovation/cost threshold.
Respectfully Submitted by Sue Cusack