HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission on Disability Minutes 08 09 2010_201402061152224276Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes
Monday, August 9, 2010
Craig Room and Murray Room at the Founder’s Building
Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Nancy Rezendes, Jeanette
Topham, Ellen Braginton-Smith, and Brenda McDonough
Absent: Whitey Willauer, David Gray
Guest Speaker: Jeff Dugan, Assistant Director of Community Services for the
Massachusetts Office on Disability
Called to Order: 4:03 p.m.
Agenda: By unanimous consent we are adopting the agenda.
Minutes: 4:06 p.m.
May 10: Mr. Moran motioned to approve May 10th’s minutes,
which Ms. Topham seconded, and all the remaining present
Commission members voted in favor of this motion.
May 21: Mr. Moran motioned to approve May 21st’s minutes,
which Ms. Braginton-Smith seconded, and all the remaining
present Commission members voted in favor of this motion, except
Ms. Topham, who abstained.
June 12: Mr. Moran motioned to approve June 12th’s minutes,
which Ms. Topham seconded, and all the remaining present
Commission members except voted in favor of this motion, except
Ms. Braginton-Smith, who abstained.
June 13: Mr. Moran motioned to approve June 13th’s minutes,
which Ms. Topham seconded, and all the remaining present
Commission members voted in favor of this motion, except Ms.
Braginton-Smith, who abstained.
Topics: 4:08 p.m.
• Jeff Dugan from the Massachusetts Office on Disability:
Mr. Dugan attended our meeting and discussed how the Massachusetts Office
on Disability (MOD) wants to have a working relationship with all the local
Commission on Disability’s in the state. The MOD is tied to our commission
statutorily. The following is a summary of the topics that Mr. Dugan
discussed:
1. Mr. Dugan discussed how House bill 1965 would change how towns
would be able to utilize disabled parking violations money.
2. Mr. Dugan said that there are no state or federal regulations that require
identification for guide dogs. Businesses cannot deny a service dog access
to their business, including restaurants. However, if the animal is
disruptive to operation of a business, then the employees can ask the dog
owner and the dog to leave the property.
1
3. Mr. Moran asked what kinds of animals are considered companion
animals? Mr. Dugan replied that presently they do not specify as to which
animals can be considered service or companion animals.
4. Service animals can be allowed in any room in a hotel, motel…
5. Paperwork is not needed regarding companion animals.
6. Mr. Dugan passed out pamphlets, booklets, and paperwork that is listed at
the end of these minutes.
7. Mr. Dugan discussed the tax incentives for removing barriers to increase
accessibility at any non-governmental building open to the public. He
thought that tax incentive information could be given out at the same time
someone receives a building permit. That way anyone who is renovating is
aware of the tax credit and might consider removing barriers in their
business.
8. Mr. Dugan informed the Commission that they would look at any
commercial building plans to check for proper access. Mr. Rowland
actually looks at these plans. If he has any questions regarding access, he
usually speaks with Tom Hopkins at the AAB.
9. 4:50 p.m. Ms. Topham left the meeting.
10. 4:55 p.m. The Commission spoke about the post office door not
compliance with the federal guidelines. Ms. McDonough will file a
complaint with the DOJ.
11. 4:57 p.m. Mr. Rowland spoke about the changes in the Open Meeting
Law.
12. 5:03 p.m. Ms. Rezendes inquired whether buildings open to the public are
required to have visual stair markers identifying the steps.
13. 5:09 p.m. Ms. McDonough informed the Commission that Maryanne
Worth believes that there may be grant money available that will benefit
elderly and disabled residents and visitors.
Adjournment: 5:18 p.m.
Mr. Moran motioned to adjourn, which Ms. Rezendes seconded and all the
remaining Commission members present unanimously voted in favor of this
motion.
• List of Documentation Used at Meeting
COD MGL’s
MGL Chapter 40 Section 8J – Formal establishment of a COD -
MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G – HP Fines to a COD
MOD Materials:
Disability Laws in Massachusetts:
Title II Technical Assistance Manual:
MOD Brochure (Attached)
COD Listing (Attached)
COD Bi-laws and Goals (Attached)
Tax Incentive (Attached)
Updates to the ADA
Submitted by: Brenda McDonough, Facilitator
2