HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission on Disability Minutes 09 24 2009_201402061147570978Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes
September 24, 2009
Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Ellen Braginton-Smith, Jeanette Topham,
David Gray, Whitey Willauer, and Brenda McDonough
Absent: Nancy Rezendes
Guests: Steven Sayers, General Council, SSA
Elaine Mooney, Nantucket Terminal Manager, SSA
Topics:
• Steamship Authority
Steven Sayers presented to the Commission the SSA’s proposal for all their
accessible improvements at the Nantucket terminal. He mentioned that the
SSA analyzed the whole scope of their operation and took the opportunity to
review their whole system. They want to improve customer service, safety,
efficiency, and provide proper access. All passengers will benefit from the
improvements, not just passengers with disabilities. The SSA believes that this
is the right thing to do.
The SSA is also applying for a variance from the AAB’s rules and regulations
during certain tidal conditions and for several of their passenger ramps.
The following is a brief summary of their proposal:
1. The SSA will provide 2 new accessible ramps to the ferry on the north slip
2. In addition to the accessible, inshore ramp on the north slip, the SSA
would like to install a noncompliant pedestrian ramp adjacent to the
accessible ramp, for the general public to use as an option
3. Modify gangways for a more gradual slope and install handrails
4. Raise both transfer bridges on the north and south slips so that the slope
will be 1:20 or less most of the time
5. The SSA will apply for a variance for the ramp on the south slip, which
accesses the upper deck on the fast ferry
6. The SSA will apply for a variance for all the ramps, gangways, and
transfer bridges during certain tidal conditions
After viewing and listening to the presentation, Mickey mentioned that if the
Commission votes to support this variance request, there are some conditions
and requests that the Commission would like the SSA to implement. The
following is a list of the conditions and requests:
Conditions for supporting the variance request:
• Paint a passenger pathway to the transfer bridge and from the transfer
bridge to the elevator on the north slip
• Improve the appearance and signage in the elevator
1
• Try to eliminate the bumps and ridges on the transfer bridge and boat if
possible
• Install signage instructing passengers to inform Steamship Authority
personnel of any special needs while boarding
• Include the Steamship Authority’s disabled policies and stand-by policy
for disabled travelers on their web site and in printed materials
• Delineate the stairs with some brightly colored paint, or something similar,
to help the sight impaired negotiate the stairs safely
Requests that we would appreciate the SSA to consider:
• Provide a golf cart to transport the walking disabled up the transfer bridge
to the elevator on the north slip, and to the top of the transfer bridge on the
south slip
• Install automatic door openers on the terminal doors
• Provide discounted fares on the Iyanough fast ferry, similar to the senior’s
discounted fare
• Somehow identify a disabled passenger on the manifest, so that the
Steamship’s personnel will be aware that a disabled passenger is traveling,
and that they may need some special assistance
The Commission members had the following comments and questions:
• David mentioned that the transfer bridge could be slippery at times. Steve
Sayers did not know if anything could be done. Technically, the transfer
bridge is not the accessible route for several reasons. One reason being
that it is not an accessible surface.
• David requested that any transitions on the transfer bridge be delineated
by yellow tape. Steve did not think that this would be a problem.
• Steve stated that Barnstable requested to meet with the SSA yearly to
discuss any accessibility concerns of the disabled community. The SSA
plans to meet with all the Commissions: Barnstable, Martha’s Vineyard,
and Nantucket yearly.
• Mickey asked the members if they were in favor of supporting the
variance request with the conditions and requests that we have discussed.
David motioned to send a letter of support to the AAB, which Whitey
seconded, and all the remaining, present Commission members voted in
favor of this motion.
Ellen motioned to adjourn, which David seconded, and all remaining, present
Commission members voted in favor of this request.
Submitted by:
Brenda McDonough,
Facilitator
GO PATRIOTS!!!
2