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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013_0917 MACFEA minutes final Meeting Minutes — DRAFT Mayor's Advisory Committee For Equal Access ( MACFEA) Tuesday, September 17 , 2013 Mo` ikeha Building , Meeting Room 2A-2B 4444 Rice Street, Lihu `e, HI 96766 Members Present: Elena Costales , Consumer, HCIL — Kaua ' i Volunteer; Rita Manriquez — State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board (STBIAB ) ; Dr. Lucy Miller — DCAB ( Disability and Communication Access Board ) Board Member; Kathy English — Hawai ' i Disability Rights Center; Ellen Ching — Easter Seals Hawaii ; Betty Bell — Kaua' i Federation for the Blind ; El Doi — Kaua' i Developmental Disability Council ; Suzie Woolway — ' Ohana Home Health Care Members Excused : Roberta Eiben — Consumer; Sharry Glass — Advocate , Teacher/Trainer; Keri Russell — American Red Cross Staff members also present: Linda Nuland-Ames — ADA/EEOC Coordinator; Cherisse Zaima — Commission Support Clerk; Teresa Tamura — Administrative Aide ; Marc Guyot — Deputy County Attorney; Tamar Lani — remote ASL interpreter CALL TO ORDER Chair Elena Costales called the meeting to order at 12 : 55 p . m . with 8 members present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of July 16 , 2013 Action : Ms . Ching moved to approve the minutes as circulated . Ms . Bell seconded the motion . Motion carried 8 : 0 . BUSINESS • Setting and Adoption of MACFEA Goals for 2013 Ms . Ching read a draft of her proposed goals from the last meeting . (On file) Chair Costales read Ms . Russell 's concerns and suggested rewording of those proposed goals . 1 . Work with Red Cross to identify preparedness steps for People with Disabilities with Kauai specific information . • Red Cross has a brochure called " Be Red Cross Ready" (attached ) which is a guide that MACFEA can add information to . Red Cross could develop a local brochure with MACFEA's input to address the needs addressed . I would encourage you all to consult with DCAB too because they have provided recommendations to Civil Defense in the past. 2 . Identify more facilities that could serve as accessible shelters . • Red Cross will survey and facilitate agreement process with facility owner. Disclaimer- the county is in charge of adding facilities as Tsunami Refuge Areas and Hurricane Evacuation Shelters 3 . Red Cross will offer People with Access and Functional Needs Awareness training for all volunteers twice per year • Red Cross has a 3 hour online course currently 4 . Assist Red Cross in finding potential partners and resources for equipping shelters with needed medical and functional needs supplies . • Red Cross has some bariatric cots . Ms . Woolway asked if facilities that could serve as accessible shelters need to be public buildings to which Ms . Costales replied no . Ms . Woolway also asked what are the specific guidelines on what is considered an accessible shelter? Ms . Nuland-Ames stated that some churches have requested to be considered as emergency shelters , and explained the process of recommending a shelter to the Red Cross who will work with DCAB to check if the location is suitable . In reference to concern number 3 , Ms . Woolway asked if anyone has ever seen that three hour course before . Ms . Manriquez stated that she is the lead of health services as a volunteer for Red Cross and has been flown to Honolulu to speak about the special needs area . She noted that there is an online course , but it will be challenging for those volunteers who have not worked a disaster, or who are not medically knowledgeable . She is one of only three nurses that represent the Red Cross volunteers and commented that it is very difficult to teach intense medical knowledge to a non-medically trained person . She mentioned that people are often afraid of lawsuits , and pointed out that in times of need , the Good Samaritan Law will carry over. Ms . Ching explained that the proposed goals on Increasing Emergency Preparedness were based on concerns expressed by fellow members at previous meetings . She noted the importance of addressing these concerns , and shared some of the issues that came up during major disasters like Hurricane Katrina ; she does not want that to happen here . She feels the only way to avoid that is to adopt something and work at it. She appreciates the feedback she received from the Red Cross and is more than happy to amend her goals based on those recommendations . Ms . Manriquez noted the lack of volunteers available , which forces them to make difficult decisions on which victims have higher priority for medical assistance during disasters . MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 2 Ms . Ching stated she understands , and in proposing these goals , is hoping those issues will be addressed . Recruitment of volunteers and obtaining information can only be strengthened by collaboration with other agencies . Ms . Bell stated if you are using other non-State facilities such as churches , is there any kind of liability protection or will the Good Samaritan Law cover them . Deputy Attorney Guyot explained that Red Cross and Civil Defense address those things during the application and certification process . Ms . Manriquez moved to inform the Mayor of this problem and work on Ms . Ching 's goals . Ms . Woolway moved to adopt Ms . Ching 's goals . Ms . Nuland-Ames clarified that the Committee is the Mayor's advisory council and therefore do not need to make a motion to inform the Mayor; that is MACFEA's basic function . There was a request for clarification on the motion currently on the floor to which Attorney Guyot stated there are two motions ; one to inform the Mayor, and one to adopt the goals . Since no motion is required to inform the Mayor, the motion should be withdrawn . Ms . Manriquez withdrew her motion . Attorney Guyot reminded the Committee that there is still a motion on the floor to adopt Ms . Ching ' s proposed goals and asked if there had been a second . Ms . Bell seconded the motion . There was discussion on whether the goals to be adopted were the original goals , or the goals with the discussed amendments . Ms . Ching stated she is in support of Ms . Russell 's amendments . Ms . Manriquez explained the importance of informing the public about what to expect when going to a shelter, and what items they need to bring with them as nothing is provided but a building for them to stay in . Dr. Lucy announced that she would have to leave the meeting shortly to catch a flight, and requested to quickly go over the goals she presented . The first goal she presented was to have clarification on the scope of the Committee , which could be done in writing and sent to the members . The second goal she mentioned was regarding Ho ` ike's inaccessibility of programming . She noted that they were required by law to provide captioning 15 years ago , but the wording has not been changed to address current technology, and commented on the problems she is personally having with double- MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 3 captioning . She has tried to bring it to Ho ` ike' s attention , but has never received a response . Her other concern is with captioning of programs directly related to Kauai County citizen information , even if it is not necessarily a County Council meeting , noting there are other issues and debates that Ho ` ike has chosen not to caption . She has written to the Director of Ho ` ike , and Ms . Glass has tried speaking with the Chairman of the Board , but has received no response . Dr. Lucy would like to initiate a request to Ho ` ike to address the issue . Dr. Lucy asked if a motion is required to do so . Attorney Guyot stated that if Dr. Lucy would like to invite someone from Ho ` ike to one of the meetings , she can make a motion to do so . Ms . Woolway asked if, as a Committee , they can write a letter to Ho' ike based on Dr. Lucy's observations , signed by all members , and include a request for response with a timeline . Attorney Guyot explained that the letter would need to go to the Mayor who would then send it out. The Committee can , however, send an invitation to Ho ` ike . If they receive no response , one or two Committee members can ask to meet with the Mayor to inform him of the situation , which may prompt him to step in . Ms . Manriquez stated that she feels having Ho ` ike here in front of the Committee would be best, and will ensure that they are given answers . Ms . English offered to bring this to the attention of her executive director, who is an attorney, and possibly send a letter signed by him , explaining the situation and requesting a timely response . Ms . Ching requested that if they will be having guests , because they meet so infrequently she would like to request the meeting begin earlier to accommodate guests and still have a full meeting . Ms . Nuland-Ames stated that she received a complaint at the last meeting regarding the captioning and provided an update on how the County is currently addressing it by working with Ho ` ike . She explained the difference between closed captioning , which can be turned on and off by the television user via a CC button , and open captioning which is embedded into the video stream and cannot be removed by the user. They are currently discussing which captioning type to remove . Dr. Lucy commented that her suggestion on which type to remove would be whichever is more economical , feasible , and most accessible to all . She noted that they may need to have County Council update the wording on that ruling to encompass current and future technology as the FCC and ADA have done . She would like to have active discussion with Ho ` ike on the most economical way for them to do this . Action : Dr. Lucy moved to invite Ho ` ike to the next meeting to address the captioning issues . Ms . Bell seconded the motion . The motion carried 8 : 0 . MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 4 ( Dr. Lucy left the meeting . ) Ms . Ching requested that should Ho ` ike attend that the next meeting start earlier to allow time for the regular meeting . Ms . Bell noted the start time of the meeting was set to accommodate members who must take the para-transit bus . Ms . Ching asked if it were possible to stay later. Staff informed the Committee that the meeting does not have a specific end time , and that they can go on until there is no quorum , or until the meeting is adjourned . As long as arrangements are made ahead of time to reserve the room , it should not be a problem . Action : Ms . Ching moved to extend the meeting longer should there be a guest speaker, and to inform the members of the extension . Ms . Woolway seconded the motion . The motion carried 7 : 0 . Ms . Manriquez explained the issues that come during a disaster, the issues that she has personally experienced during disasters , and the importance of informing the public of what they should do during disasters . She further noted that people need to be responsible for taking care of themselves during disasters ; the shelters are not responsible for providing for individuals' personal and medical needs . There was further discussion on the rewording of goals to make them more appropriate to MACFEA's purpose and function . Ms . Ching presented the following amendments to her goals in section II .A. under Increasing Emergency Preparedness : 1 . Work with Red Cross to identify preparedness steps for People with Disabilities with Kauai Specific information . 2 . Identify more facilities that could serve as accessible shelters . 3 . Red Cross will offer People with Access and Functional Needs Awareness training for all volunteers twice per year. 4 . Assist Red Cross in finding potential partners and resources . Action : Ms . Woolway moved to accept Ms . Ching 's proposed amended goals . Ms . Manriquez seconded the motion . The motion carried 7 : 0 . • Request for report re : progress on high-speed internet access capable of using remote captioning/interpreting in county buildings MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 5 Ms . Nuland-Ames reported that they have been making progress in providing the remote ASL interpreter for today's meeting . She will be working with IT and Dr. Lucy next week to work out the glitches . High-speed wireless is currently available . • Request for written or oral response from Lenny Rapozo regarding ADA plan review of Parks and Recreation projects currently underway as per letter from DCAB dated 8/27/13 Ms . Nuland-Ames reported that she cannot do a report for the Parks and Recreation Director, but noted that the letter is not about projects currently underway; it just advises what to look for and how to comply when submitting draft plans for review by DCAB . • Request for report re : Ho' ike captioning of County-related programming in conformance with 2010 ADA and FCC regulations Ms . Nuland-Ames stated this issue has already been discussed . REPORTS • ADA Ms . Nuland Ames stated that much of what she had just mentioned covers her report. She noted that she has the complete plans for the entire Civic Center ADA renovation that is currently going on . She reported that it will take about a year to complete , and they are already talking about some changes like possibly turning Eiwa Street into a pedestrian and parking area . Chair Costales asked if they are eliminating accessible parking , or will there be more to which Ms . Nuland -Ames replied that there will be more , and that it will be more spread out around more entrances . Ms . Nuland-Ames reported that she and Ms . Manriquez attended the FEMA course on Sheltering In Place and Emergency Preparedness for People with Medical Dependencies . She noted that another more intensive 3-day course is coming up on Oahu . Ms . Woolway stated she is interested in the upcoming 3-day courses because she works with home health and home bound clients . Ms . Nuland-Ames asked any interested members to email her and she will send them information on the course . MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 6 Action : Ms . Ching moved to adopt her proposed goal on Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County. Ms . English seconded the motion . The motion carried 7 : 0 . Ms . Ching asked Ms . Nuland-Ames that since there have been many concerns about construction and accessibility, what would be the most efficient and effective way to address those issues . Ms . Nuland- Ames stated that she works very well with Public Works , and she has been introduced to the project manager, who has extensive ADA background in construction . She is not as worried as others may be , and feels things are in good shape . She will be distributing the plans to everyone so that they can see the different stages of the project. It might be helpful to the Committee to have Doug Haigh come and explain what is going on . Ms . Ching stated this was a big concern for Dr. Lucy, and also with Sharry Glass , who are both not here . She feels it may be better to wait until they are present at a meeting . ANNOUNCEMENTS : Ms . Doi reported that the Developmental Disability Council is working with the Department of Education and children with special health needs on doing another transition event sometime in November. Rosie Rowe of the Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii , and Leolinda Parlin of Hilopa ` a will be speaking at this event, which will be done by district; the first will be in November in Kapa `a . They will be having an event at the Department of Health on October 2 regarding the changes to medical insurance due to Obamacare . June Munoz , and Susan Taogoshi-Oshiro will be speaking at that event, which requires reservations as they are serving dinner; the deadline to RSVP is September 25 . Ms . Doi will email an informational flyer to the staff for distribution to the members . Ms . Bell reported the White Cane Walk will be held on October 4 at 10 : 00 a . m . starting at Kukui Grove Center. It is an effort to bring awareness on white canes , and what it means . There are currently 30 people in her limited vision group , and they have been making a lot of progress . They have two graduates from Ho ` opono , which is a school that teaches the blind to be totally independent. She is very impressed with what they are doing , but is very upset at the report on the condition of the school ; non -profit group Friends of Ho ` opono accepts donations to benefit the school . She explained that there is no cost for someone to attend , and that it is a 9-month to 1 -year program . Ms . Bell mentioned that one thing that is still being worked on internationally is equal pay for persons with no vision or limited vision if they have all the skills and qualifications for a job ; that doesn 't happen , and employers sometimes take advantage . She encouraged anyone wishing to support Ho ` opono to please do so . MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 7 Ms . Manriquez reported that she is on the sub-committee of the State Traumatic Brain Injury board to do brochures on Traumatic Brain Injuries for distribution to family members and people suffering from TBI . They will be presenting it to the Board in two weeks for approval . She also reported that Ho ` oikaika lost their funding through the Department of Health and has started their own program . DOH asked them to do a Hawaii neuro-trauma registry intake survey, which Ms . Manriquez participated in . She stated that taking the survey, which asked questions about what life was like prior to and subsequent to sustaining a brain injury , may bring a person back to how they sustained their brain injury , causing recovery regression . Ms . English mentioned to Ms . Bell that if she knows anyone that is being discriminated against in the workplace due to disability, which is against the law, to please contact her. She reported that they recently won a class-action suit with the DOE , and now DOE is required to educate children in Special Education through their 22nd birthday, rather than age 20 as it has been . The next meeting will be on November 19 , 2013 at 12 : 30 p . m . , Mo' ikeha Building , Meeting Room 2A/2B Adjournment: Chair Costales announced the meeting was adjourned at 2 : 25 p . m . Respectfully submitted by: Cherisse Zaima , Support Clerk ( ) Approved as circulated ( ) Approved as amended MACFEA — September 17 , 2013 8