COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Public Library – Large Conference Room
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: Megan Sommer (Chairperson), Linda Fulton (Vice-Chairperson), Athena Brodsky (Treasurer), and Jamie Coleman
 
MEMBERS PRESENT REMOTELY: 

MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Jeffrey Dougan (Secretary)
 
GUEST(s): 	None
 
1.  	Call to Order.  
* Chairperson Megan Sommer called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM at the Large Conference Room at the Public Library. 

2.	Public Comment.
* Since no public was present, this agenda item closed early.   
 
3.	Acceptance of Past Minutes.
* No changes suggested.
* Ms. Fulton motioned to accept the minutes from the 03/14/19 COD Meeting with no revisions.  Seconded by Ms. Brodsky.  Motion passed unanimously..

4.	Accessibility Awareness Event.
* Discussion items – 
* Timing of annual event, proposed by Ms. Brodsky to move to March
* Venue options if 44 Jericho is not viable. Library?
* Work on gathering data on exhibitors (sign-in, collect business cards, survey in advance what needs they have day of ex: amount of space, audio visual, connections.
* Compile data on attendees – sign in sheet, greet at door and hand out bags
* Ask for feedback on event from exhibitors and attendees 
* How best to promote event in advance to increase attendance. Use flyers, contact Scituate Education foundation and other COD’s in nearby towns.
* Discussion tabled until next meeting in order to make decisions with all members present.




5.	Outdoor Library Project
* Ms. Sommer explained plans are underway to create permanent seating area.  Stephen Leach will attend next COD meeting to share design with focus on access and accessibility. Work to be done by Northern Landscaping.

6.	ASL Interpreter Request
* Ms. Sommer was contacted by Lorraine Devin on 4/5 to request assistance scheduling an interpreter for Town Meetings on 4/8 and 5/13.  Ms. Sommer suggested contacting Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). No resource available for 4/8. 

7.	SPS Special Education Gift.
* C-Pen purchased for the Special Education Department for $250. ($85 from Gift Fund and $165 from 22G fund.  Ms. Sommer will deliver this week.

8.	Friends of the Commission on Disability Scholarship.
* Ms. Sommer is meeting with Diana Mullen to figure out logistics of the process.

9.	South Shore Trails
* Ms. Sommer shared information on website that includes detailed information on accessible trails.  Site can be filtered to show details and key requirements of trails.

10.	Treasurer’s Report.
* Ms. Brodsky explained that the General Fund has a balance of $4550, 22G Fund has a balance of $5074 and the Gift Fund has a balance of $0.

11.	Matters not Reasonably Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance.
* Ms. Brodsky brought up need to communicate publicly the events and accomplishments of the COD such as the purchase of the C-pen and the South Shore Trails information.  Discussion included using Scituate Mariner and/or Patriot Ledger as well as the Town of Scituate’s Facebook page to share information.  She will contact Lorraine Devin regarding the Facebook page and COA to inquire about column they host in the Mariner.

12. 	Adjournment.
* Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ms. Brodsky.  Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Next Meeting will be on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the conference room of the Public Library.
 
Respectfully submitted,  
Linda Fulton