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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Meeting Date: 9/21/2004 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES GLENDALE MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD ROOM 5959 WEST BROWN STREET,GLENDALE,ARIZONA SEPTEMBER 21,2004 Members Present: Vickie Loya, Chairperson Elliot Abramowitz Julie Denmon Robert Steiger Jo Ann Caufield Robert Duncan Clarence Schanlaub Barbara Gentry Elaine Maxon Member Absent: Yvette Bro Staff Present: Barbara George, Human Resources Department, and Diana Castro, Recording Secretary Guests: Ms. Susan Benjamin, Assistant Director for Special Education for the Paradise Valley Unified School District Ms. Barbara Porter, City of Surprise Special Needs Commission 1. Call to Order and Welcome The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. A quorum was present. Ms. George announced that Ms. Unternaehrer has resigned from the City of Glendale. 2. Approval of Minutes of August 17,2004 Action: Commissioner Abramowitz moved to accept the August 17, 2004, minutes as written and Commissioner Steiger seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Speaker: Susan Benjamin,Assistant Director for Special Education for the Paradise Valley Unified School District Ms. Benjamin presented background information for the Commission regarding the Disabilities Act, Brown vs. Board of Education, and various federal regulations. She continued by providing information on IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She stated that parental involvement is extremely important with all children especially those with disabilities. Ms. Benjamin explained the two programs the Paradise Valley Unified School District offers. She said there are many special education categories and currently PVUSD is trying to develop transition plans/programs. In response to a question from Commissioner Maxon, Ms. Benjamin explained Arizona Disabilities Act 504,which states the Department of Education's commitment to support its obligation under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to ensure the accessibility of its programs and activities to individuals with disabilities, specifically its obligation to acquire accessible electronic and information technology. Ms.Benjamin noted some of the many new devices, which assist the disabled. Minutes of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities September 21, 2004 Page 2 In response to a question from Commissioner Denmon, Ms. Benjamin stated that parental support usually decreases when the student is 18 years old, however, the school continues to encourage the students to include their parents in any meetings the student may attend. In response to a question from Commissioner Maxon, Ms. Benjamin stated that sexual relations classes are provided for the students. Commissioner Maxon stated this is a very serious problem and parents have no control, legal or otherwise, over their mentally disabled children. In response to a question from Commissioner Caufield,Ms. Benjamin stated not only has the number of students with mental disabilities increased but the severity of the mental illness has as well. Ms. Benjamin distributed a copy of the Arizona Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services program to the Commission. Chairperson Loya and the Commission thanked Ms.Benjamin for her time. 4. Old Business Commissioner Maxon said if the Commission is considering having a car club event to raise funds for next year's award banquet,reservations must be made a year in advance. She suggested having Wal-Mart sponsor the event and displayed an article in the Glendale Star showing where the local Wal-Mart had recently made a contribution to another function. She added the Chamber of Commerce has their own scholarship program thereforethey probably .would not be interested in collaborating or making a donation. Chairperson Loya asked for a budget update and asked if any of the Commissioners had any fundraising ideas. Ms. George stated the balance is $4,487.50. Chairperson Loya suggested the Commission plan a small event for 2005 and then maybe have a large event the following year. Commissioner Duncan stated he recently met with City representatives from the Special Events Division to discuss his bluegrass festival idea. He stated he plans to meet with the Parks and Recreation Department. He is working on collecting information and ideas and will provide any new information to the Commission. Commissioner Abramowitz said he has contacted the City Clerk's Office and has requested previous meeting minutes. He is trying to obtain information regarding the types of fundraising events which have taken place in the past. Commissioner Maxon reminded Commissioner Abramowitz that there has always been a sponsor for the awards banquet so no fundraising was necessary. Chairperson Loya suggested each Commissioner bring new ideas to next month's meeting. Commissioner Steiger expressed his concern with disabled access into the Glendale Arena. He stated there is only one ramp available for the disabled that are attending events and functions at the Arena. He noted the ramp is also being used by able-bodied persons making it very difficult for the wheelchair bound to maneuver. Minutes of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities September 21, 2004 Page 3 Commissioner Maxon stated she will mention this issue at the next AZSTA, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, meeting. She said there are representatives from the Glendale Arena that take part in this meeting and she would like to make them aware of this concern. Commissioner Abramowitz asked for an update regarding the Commission shirts. Ms. George stated she gathered information on what other Commissions had shirts and what logos were used. The Commission had a brief discussion regarding the type of logo, color, and material for the shirts. Ms. George stated she would bring samples to the next Commission meeting. 5. New Business Chairperson Loya distributed information regarding a Planning Technician position available with the City of Phoenix. She added she received a nice letter from Diane Neville, Public Information Office, regarding Directions and Connection Partners. Ms. George said next month's speaker will be Cathy Colbath with the City of Glendale Transportation Department Dial-A-Ride. She will provide an overview of the Department, information regarding Gus the Bus and the Luke Link, among other things. Commissioner Abramowitz indicated that he would like to learn how Proposition 400 would benefit the city. Ms. George stated Mr. Allen trovers from the Planning Dept. had also been asked to attend the meeting in order to provide the Commission with this information. A representative from MAG has also been asked to attend. Commissioner Abramowitz suggested that the Commission present Ms. Untemaehrer with a plaque of appreciation. Chairperson Loya asked if she could be called and asked to attend the next meeting so it could be presented to her. Commissioner Maxon stated she has the photo album with pictures of past award luncheons. She asked the Commissioners for assistance in recalling the names of the luncheons. Chairperson Loya thanked Ms. Porter from the City of Surprise for attending this meeting. 6. Next Meeting—October 19,2004 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diana Castro,Recording Secretary