Provincetown Disability Commission

Minutes of the Meeting
March 26, 2008
Town Hall: Judge Welsh Room

Members Present: Michelle DeMarco, Michael Fernandes, Jo-Ann DiOrio, Jamia Kelly, Rik Kapler(Wave).

Members Absent: Lou Ann Bowen, Doug Johnstone

Old Business

Beach Wheelchair: DC will reapply to VSB next year and consider alternative ways to raise funds.

DVD Project to create Public Service Announcements will continue with Jamia and Lou-Ann. Doug currently has the DVD available at his office.

Van Ride to look for possible safety issues for the Disabled out on our roads and public space need to be scheduled.

New Business

Cape Organization for Rights of Disabled (CORD) offers outreach to individuals with disabilities and presentations that focus on needs of the Disabled Population such as services, programs, rights, and housing. DC discussed having CORD come to provide a 30-45 minute presentation mid-May with a target day of May 20^th, with invited to Human Service Agencies and Disabled Population. RSVP Invitation will include HOW, ASGCC, COA, Outer Cape Health, Police Dept, Selectman, Parking Dept, PTV, Schools, Business guild, Chamber of Commerce. Request Town Hall, Judge Welsh Room.

Brainstorm Session regarding increasing Business Owners awareness and sensitivity with issues that are of concern to the Disabled. A letter will be drafted with “helpful recommendations” (not instruction).  Examples….

• Consider accessibility with floor plan and table set-up
• Welcome Disabled customer rather than appear stressed
• Equal treatment; Ask questions directly to the person with the Disability
• Flash light for low-light situations
• Ask if wheelchair patron wishes to transfer to a regular seat or stay in their wheelchair

Next Mtg: April 26, 2008 @ 11am.

Mtg Adjurned 12 noon.