HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-06
Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes
April 6, 2005
Present:
Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Kim Horyn, Phillip Gallagher, Cecil
Richrod, Dave Dennis, and Brenda McDonough
Linda Williams
Absent:
The meeting opened with the members reviewing January's minutes, whic~were
unanimously approved. '6;;;d":;CI
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Topics: 0 C' 00
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Accessible Parking Signs: ~;r'\ :;I:::o
. Each member received a rough copy of the accessible parking sli~I1s that t~
Commission is about to order for the high school and elementary school' ~arking
lot. Brenda explained that we were trying to appeal to people's conscience and
educate them at the same time. The Commission members made the following
comments:
1. Dick wondered if the HDC had jurisdiction over the school's parking
lots.
2. Phil thought that the School Committee, Police Department, and Jeff
Willett should be informed of the signs before they are installed. Phil
also argued that the signs were too wordy and people would not take
the time to read the signs.
3. Cecil believes that the wording is OK because young children may
relay the message to their parents.
4. Mickey asked for a show of hands as to who likes the signs. Dave,
Cecil, Dick, Kim, and Mickey all voiced their support for the wording
of the signs. Phil thought that there were too many words.
Parking Permits
. Presently, our parking permits are issued for permanent disabilities and temporary
disabilities lasting one year or longer. The Police Department issues temporary
permits for temporary disabilities, which are valid for six weeks. They can be
renewed at six-week intervals. Mickey polled the Commission to see if we should
issue temporary permits for six months. Phil thought that we could issue permits
for longer than six weeks. Mickey suggested a six-month minimum. Dick
motioned to adopt the six-month minimum, Kim seconded the motion, and so it
was voted.
Update
· Mickey asked the members if there was anything that our Commission should be
doing as a Commission that we are presently not addressing.
1. Phil mentioned that we could some how poll disabled visitors and see
what Nantucket could do to better service disabled visitors. Phil
mentioned that a blind girl mentioned that restaurants do not have
Braille menus. If restaurant employees could recite the menu, then that
would be an accommodation that would satisfy blind patrons.
2. Cecil mentioned that the Grand Union should have a motorized
wheelchair.
3. Brenda contacted MOD regarding any accommodation for taxi
preference for people with cognitive disabilities. Myra Berlof stated
that clients with cognitive disabilities could not be denied service.
However, the law does not state that they may access a taxi before a
person without a cognitive disability. The normal protocol, "First-
Come-First-Serve", applies to passengers with cognitive disabilities.
4. Brenda contacted Patti Roggeveen and discussed providing a
companion for disabled pool patrons who would like to be included in
the community pool programs.
5. Mickey was wondering if our Community could benefit from some
kind of "Good Samaritan" program. The Commission thought this was
a good idea. Brenda will talk to Linda Roberts, Peter McKay, Sheri
Hunt and others to see what services are offered on Nantucket.
Brenda McDonough
Facilitator
GO SOX!