City of Jacksonville Commission on Disabilities and Human Relations met April 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Present: Alan Bradish (Vice Chairman), Joan Engelmann (Secretary), Ralph Hastie, Eddie Lowe, Mary Watts, Larry Whewell (Chairman)
Absent: Guy Crumley, Salina Masas
Guests: Nancy Harper (prospective member), Dr. Joe Squillace
1. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER 4:00 PM
Dr. Joe Squillace and his students at MacMurray College completed a community needs assessment survey over two years ago. One educational need that was identified was for education to businesses regarding interacting with deaf and hard of hearing consumers. Students involved community members who are deaf and hard of hearing to create an 8-page training manual, pamphlets and video for businesses making accommodations for community members who are deaf and hard of hearing. The intention was for employers to use the information to orient staff on interactions with customers.
There are discussions ongoing about possible future training opportunities for businesses wishing to provide employees with more formalized training.
Dr. Joe left the meeting after his presentation and questions.
Alan Bradish welcomed Nancy Harper as a guest and prospective member.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the minutes of February 7, 2019
Motion by: Alan Bradish
Seconded by: Eddie Lowe
Discussion: Ralph Hastie was not present at the February 7 meeting. Carried: Unanimous, with correction of attendance
3. OLD BUSINESS
• Completed Brochure
Eddie Lowe distributed final drafts of a brochure. Discussion led to the following motion:
Motion: To use the final draft as the official brochure, printed in the City’s building, on the heaviest paper possible for the copy machine’s capacity, using black ink for the wording and blue ink for the logo.
Motion by: Alan Bradish
Seconded by: Mary Watts
Carried: Unanimous
Eddie will begin with 100 copies for distribution.
• Report from Guy
Guy Crumley was unable to attend the meeting, but did send his remarks. He stated he had attended the presentation by Jacksonville Community Center for the Deaf (JCCD) at The Chamber of Commerce on February 13, 2019. JCCD members offered to be a resource for businesses and community members seeking information regarding accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing in our community.
4. NEW BUSINESS
• Notes from March meeting
Chairman Whewell distributed copies of the notes from March meeting. There was no quorum. Copies were also distributed by e-mail.
• Election of Officers
Motion: To elect Larry Whewell as Chairman, Alan Bradish as Vice Chairman, and Eddie Lowe as Secretary to serve through March, 2020.
Motion by: Joan Engelmann
Seconded by: Ralph Hastie
Carried: Unanimous
• Survey Suggestions
Chairman Whewell asked Dr. Joe Squillace if MacMurray students would be willing to assist JCDHR with a community survey, possibly on the topics of mental health or community members who do not speak English. Dr. Joe said he would consult with his colleagues, and preparations could begin in July.
• Guest Speaker (see Welcome)
5. HUMAN RELATIONS ISSUES
None
6. MISCELLANEOUS
• Next meeting date: May 2, 2019
• Free Healthy Food Distribution will be held April 9 at 6:00pm. Volunteers will distribute food, including meat and dairy items.
• Share the Love will be held April 13, 10:00am-1:00pm. Volunteers will distribute items such as clothes, cleaning supplies, and even offer free haircuts.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Nancy Harper, Volunteers of America Service Coordinator, said that she would like to see sidewalk accessibility made for community members living at VOA and Stonebridge. Right now, the sidewalk stops on Lincoln Avenue before it reaches Morton Avenue. There are several people with disabilities living at VOA and Stonebridge who walk with no sidewalk to Morton Avenue.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
9. ADJOURNMENT 5:24 PM
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by: Alan Bradish
Seconded by: Eddie Lowe
Carried: Unanimous
https://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Disabilities_&_HR_Minutes/2019/Minutes%204.4.19.pdf
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