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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013_0917 MACFEA_Agenda_Packet COUNTY OF KAUAI MAYOR' S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL ACCESS NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12 : 30 p.m. or shortly thereafter Mo ` ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766 MACFEA'S MISSION IS TO ASSIST THE COUNTY OF KAUAI IN ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY LAWS MANDATING EQUAL ACCESS CALL TO ORDER INTRODUCTION OF MACFEA MEMBERS AND STAFF APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of July 16, 2013 BUSINESS • Setting and Adoption of MACFEA Goals for 2013 1 . Clarification as to the scope of the committee : a) Review the bylaws pertaining to MACFEA, with the possibility of updating them to bring them more in line with current federal and state laws regarding access 2. Address Ho ` ike's inaccessibility of programming: a) Rectify the double captioning issue (both open and closed captioning superimposed on each other) b) Consider what can be done to increase accessibility to other relevant programming on Ho ` ike 3. Monitor and receive reports on progress to provide equal access for all at County bus stops at schools and libraries : a) Monitor the construction of these bus stops and their routes to ensure accessibility and the creation of accessible routes to these facilities b) Open dialogue with the State to ensure accessible routes on State roads 4. Monitor the construction changes which are presently occurring at the County building and that will be happening on Rice street: a) Receive on-going reports from ADA Coordinator on these construction changes to roads, parking, and pathways b) If necessary, intervention by the ADA Coordinator to ensure accessibility 5. Receive reports on the communication accessibility of the County until the installation of the wireless system and availability of captioning and remote interpretation is completed a) Report re : progress on high-speed internet access capable of using remote captioning/interpreting in county buildings 6. Solicit information from the community on ways in which the County may not be accessible in order to advise the Mayor about needed changes • Request for report re : progress on high-speed internet access capable of using remote captioning/interpreting in county buildings • 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 • Request for report re : Ho'ike captioning of County-related programming in conformance with 2010 ADA and FCC regulations REPORTS • DCAB reports for August and September 2013 • ADA Coordinator' s report • Updates / Announcements o Kaua'i NFB (National Federation for the Blind) Minutes of July 5 and August 2 , 2013 NEXT MEETING Tuesday, November 19, 2013 — 12 : 30 p.m. , Mo ` ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B ADJOURNMENT cc: Marc Guyot, Deputy County Attorney If you need an alternate format or auxiliary aid to participate, please contact Linda Nuland-Ames at 241 -4924 or 245 -6203 (V/TTY) at least (5) working days prior to the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND TESTIMONY Persons wishing to offer comments are encouraged to submit written testimony at least 24-hours prior to the meeting indicating: 1 . Your names and contact information, position/title and organization you are representing (if applicable) ; 2 . The agenda item that you are providing comments on; and 3 . Whether you will be testifying in person or submitting written comments only. 4. If you are unable to submit your testimony at least 24-hours prior to the meeting, please provide 10 copies of your written testimony at the meeting. While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials received on the day of the meeting or improperly identified may be distributed to the members after the meeting is concluded. The length of time allocated to persons wishing to present verbal testimony may be limited at the discretion of the chairperson or presiding member. Send written testimony to : MACFEA Attn: Cherisse Zaima Office of Boards and Commissions 4444 Rice Street, Suite 150 Lihue, HI 96766 e-mail: czaimakkauai . gov Phone : 241 -4881 Fax : 241 -5127 If you need an alternate format or auxiliary aid to participate, please contact Linda Nuland-Ames at 241 -4924 or 245 -6203 (V/TTY) at least (5) working days prior to the meeting. Meeting Minutes — DRAFT Mayor's Advisory Committee For Equal Access ( MACFEA) Tuesday, July 16, 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 ) ; Roberta Eiben — Consumer; Dr. Lucy Miller — DCAB ( Disability and Communication Access Board ) Board Member; Kathy English — Hawai ' i Disability Rights Center; Ellen Ching — Easter Seals Hawai ' i ; Keri Russell — American Red Cross ; Sharry Glass — Advocate , Teacher/Trainer Members Excused : Betty Bell — Kaua' i Federation for the Blind ; El Doi — Kaua' i Developmental Disability Council Staff members also present: Linda Nuland -Ames — ADA/EEOC Coordinator; Cherisse Zaima — Commission Support Clerk; Teresa Tamura — Administrative Aide ; Marc Guyot — Deputy County Attorney; Mark Baldwin — ASL Interpreter CALL TO ORDER Chair Elena Costales called the meeting to order at 12 : 35 p . m . with 8 members present. Chair Costales introduced Mark Marshall , Kaua ' i Civil Defense Emergency Management Officer. Mr. Marshall distributed handouts and presented a PowerPoint slideshow on Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Shelters (on file ) . Following the presentation , the following discussion ensued : Chair Costales asked whether any of the restrooms at the shelters are accessible to someone in a wheelchair, to which Mr. Marshall replied that they have been checked and both the DOE facilities and the County facilities are in compliance . Chair Costales reported that at Waimea High School , the doorway to the restroom was too narrow for a wheelchair to fit through . Ms . Nuland -Ames stated that this Friday , DCAB will be on island to train people to go to designated shelters and complete an accessibility checklist. DCAB will take the lead to remedy any problems found . MACFEA members are encouraged to attend . Civil Defense will be hosting the training and have been provided the tools in which to conduct the accessibility checks ; these tools will be stored at Civil Defense and made available to those who are trained and wanting to conduct accessibility checks at the shelters . Ms . Glass asked at what time the training will be taking place on Friday and whether those who are trained to perform the surveys will go on to do other compliance checks . Ms . Nuland -Ames stated that the information was sent via email about 6 -weeks ago and confirmed that once people are trained they can borrow the tools and conduct surveys on their own . Ms . Glass asked for further clarification on whether those tools could be borrowed from Civil Defense to do accessibility checks at libraries and other public facilities . Ms . Nuland-Ames explained that libraries are not designated as shelters to which Ms . Glass responded by asking whether those who are trained could do accessibility checks at other properties such as hotels or any place that someone would like one done . Ms . Nuland-Ames suggested that DCAB 's property not be used on third -party private properties , further stating that those property owners should be responsible for their own accessibility checks . In reference to the libraries , Ms . Nuland-Ames explained that Diane Eddy, the ADA Coordinator for the Hawai ' i State Public Library System , is training the librarians to do accessibility checks and would be the person to contact for any information regarding that. Ms . Glass stated that she feels if people are being trained to do accessibility checks , they could develop teams to do checks at a lot of different places on Kauai . Ms . Nuland-Ames stated that the DCAB training is specifically for the Civil Defense and shelter purposes but the equipment can be used to do checks at any of the County properties such as the Convention Hall and Neighborhood Centers . Chair Costales asked if the Civil Defense has a manual wheelchair to try out. Ms . Nuland-Ames suggested they ask DCAB during the training on Friday. Chair Costales asked if people need to evacuate their homes , do they bring their own commode chair. Ms . Nuland-Ames replied that people should be self-sufficient and should not count on anyone during an emergency , which is one reason that she is not comfortable with the way shelters are being designated as being for people with special needs because it gives the false impression that there are going to be special accommodations for food , medications , special assistance , etc. The reality is it will be a space reserved on the floor which she feels does not justify a particular designation . Ms . Nuland -Ames further noted that all shelters are appropriate for people with special needs if you are bringing your own things and your own assistance . Chair Costales asked if it would be better to go to the hospital if you have a high amount of needs . Mr. Marshall stated that he had that discussion with all three hospital administrators who informed him that during a disaster situation they will only accept those of critical/life-threatening status . He stated that people may not realize that and facilities such as care homes need to have that discussion with the hospital administration . He further noted that he put a lot of time and energy into his presentation because he feels that the MACFEA members are a pivotal part of getting the information out to the special needs community. Ms . Glass stated that after Hurricane Iniki , there were many elderly people that were unaccounted for and left alone in the home with no food or water . She asked if the County can organize to have community teams that would volunteer to check on their MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 2 neighbors , to which Mr. Marshall stated that there are currently Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs ) . The program is administered by the Fire Department which provides training to individual team members on hazard awareness , first aid/CPR, fire extinguisher training and other useful information . It is considered a self-help course to train/prepare people to take care of themselves and secure their family and once they are able to do that, they can help their neighbors . Ms . Ching stated that she would like to see if there is a way to do a voluntary registry, especially considering the increase of people with developmental disabilities living independently. Mr. Marshall added that Kauai , per capita , has the most aged population , which is also a concern . Ms . Eiben asked if the shelters on Kauai can accommodate people with special needs . Ms . Russell replied yes and that they have recently purchased some visual cards for hearing impaired individuals to communicate their needs which will be available at all shelters . She stated that many of the Red Cross volunteers that do sheltering can pair up with a client with special needs to provide assistance with daily activities while sheltered . It depends on the situation as there are many different situations and circumstances ; however, all volunteers are trained to assist anyone , including those with special needs . Ms . Glass stated that she is concerned about people that have medication that is required to be kept cool or those that use a CPAP machine to sleep and asked if the shelters will provide auxiliary electricity. Mr. Marshall replied that some shelters are fitted with generators but its use would be very limited . Ms . Glass commented that when Ms . Russell states that the shelters will accommodate special needs , electricity also needs to be considered to which Ms . Russell replied that the Red Cross does not choose the facility so it is difficult to determine whether or not those resources will be available . Ms . Glass stated that the Red Cross should mention that they cannot guarantee water or electricity because many people assume there will at least be water, which is not necessarily true . Mr. Marshall stated that the shelters do have those disclaimers . Attorney Guyot asked Mr. Marshall if there is anything MACFEA can do for Civil Defense and feels that the Committee consists of diverse people with diverse knowledge and experience that could provide specialized assistance to Civil Defense . Mr. Marshall agreed and stated that Ms . Russell is always looking for volunteers as well . He stated that getting information out to people , especially those he may have difficulty reaching such as the special needs community would be of great help . Chair Costales asked if the accessible or special needs shelters will be publicized in the newspaper to which Mr. Marshall replied that they are already on the webpage , there are copies in the library , and Civil Defense can be contacted at 241 - 1800 for that information . Additionally, people can sign up for the Connect CTY automated notification system which will automatically notify people via telephone , TTY MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 3 (TeleTYpewriter) , text and voicemail when there are any civil defense warnings for Kauai . The Connect CTY system uses geo-referencing based on a person 's physical address to deliver notifications relevant to the proximity of their home . APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of May 21 , 2013 Action : Ms . Ching moved to approve the minutes as circulated . Ms . Eiben seconded the motion . Motion carried 8 : 0 . BUSINESS • Setting and Adoption of MACFEA Goals for 2013 Chair Costales read the following goals received from members prior to the meeting : 1 . Rectify the captioning which is presently on the County contracted programs as well as consider what can be done to increase accessibility to other relevant programming on Ho' ike . 2 . Monitor and receive reports on progress to provide equal access for all to and from schools and libraries . 3 . Receive on -going reports from ADA Coordinator on the County's construction changes to roads , parking , and pathways . 4 . Continue to receive reports on the communication accessibility of the County until the installation of the wireless system and availability of captioning and remote interpretation is completed . 5 . Solicit information from our community about ways in which our County may not be accessible , so that we can be better informed to advise the Mayor about needed changes . Ms . Ching submitted and read a draft of her proposed goals : Increasing Emergency Preparedness I . Identify areas of concern and draft up recommendations to address these areas II . To increase emergency preparedness , engage in formalized partnerships with community organizations and groups including the Red Cross and the Center on Disability Studies ( Emergency Preparedness System of Support Project) A. Form a partnership with Red Cross to : 1 . Increase the number of shelters 2 . To ensure the accessibility of shelters 3 . To ensure that the training of shelter managers includes how to support individuals with disabilities 4 . To ensure that shelters have desiccants and other necessary supplies MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 4 B . Form a partnership with the Center on Disability Studies ( Emergency Preparedness System of Support Project) to facilitate and provide support to encourage as many people as possible to attend the " Feeling Safe Being Safe" curriculum C . Form a partnership with DCAB to : 1 . To provide the personnel , resources and training on shelter accessibility and preparedness III . Develop and implement a targeted awareness and education campaign plan on shelter locations , first aid locations , and any other pertinent information . Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County I . Provide information to the MACFEA committee on the hiring process and procedures to increase awareness II . Develop and implement an internship and volunteer program to increase job readiness III . Develop and implement a strategic plan to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities in the County. Ms . Glass commented that she is not sure that the hiring of people with disabilities in the County is within the purview of MACFEA's mandate as an advisory committee and may be something for DDC or DVR. Attorney Guyot explained that direct involvement such as hiring is not something MACFEA can do . They can request information from the County and in turn provide information to increase awareness . County job listings are posted on the kauai . gov website and the County of Kauai is an equal opportunity employer. Provided that an individual meets the minimum qualifications of a position with or without reasonable accommodation , they are considered for all types of employment within the County. In reference to internships and volunteer programs , Attorney Guyot noted that the County is somewhat limited in how they can provide those by HRS statutes in terms of what qualifies for a type of internship . He cautioned that volunteer programs may cause problems with the unions because if someone is volunteering for a job , a union member may not be getting their overtime or the opportunity to do that job or be temporarily assigned to that position . As far as implementing a plan to increase employment of individuals with disabilities in the County, MACFEA can provide guidance to the Mayor as to what can be done . Ms . Ching commented that she feels that any and all of these things will not be easy but that it is worth doing and in her years of experience working in this field , she does not know of anyone with developmental disabilities that is employed by the County. Looking at what the Committee does she feels that it is under their purview to ensure equal opportunity and equal access and if they don 't ask the question , she feels that they are not doing their job . MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 5 Ms . Glass commented that she wants to be very clear in that she would like the Committee to rectify inequalities all over the County but the Committee has been told that their job is to advise the Mayor on how to create more equal access . She stated that if Ms . Ching is talking about increasing opportunities within the County government to hire more people who have disabilities then she feels they can do that. She was under the impression that it was for the general community. Ms . Ching clarified that she was specifically talking about increasing opportunities in the County and feels that a volunteer or internship program will help get someone job ready, especially if they have an intellectual disability. She clarified that it is a recommendation ; she is clearly aware that this is an advisory committee and this is her suggestion . If it is not adopted , that's okay, but she does want to put the question out there . Attorney Guyot provided some figures that he is personally aware of in the County stating that there are at least 5 employees with developmental disabilities , 2 people that have had strokes and 2 that have Multiple Sclerosis ; he' s sure there are others that he is not aware of. He suggested the Committee have the Department of Personnel Services come to a meeting to discuss the hiring process and procedures and increasing awareness . Regarding internship and volunteers , HGEA or UPW could be asked to come in and discuss items of concern . Ms . Ching asked for clarification , if that meant the goals she presented are okay to which Attorney Guyot replied that two of the issues are not a problem right off; the issue on internship and volunteers will require some work of which a first step would be to contact the union and find out their concerns . Ms . Ching stated that there is a volunteer program already in the County through RSVP for retirees ; if there already is a program in existence , could it not be expanded to include individuals with disabilities? Ms . Glass asked if the issue of potential employment opportunities with the County could be put on the next agenda where they just cover ideas about this issue rather than continuing now since they have not yet discussed any other suggested goals . Ms . Ching replied that because goals have never been adopted she would prefer to be able to have a full discussion on any and all proposed goals and then adopt some . Ms . Glass replied that they have adopted goals every year and is unsure where Ms . Ching heard they hadn 't, but this year they are only just getting to that. Ms . Glass further noted that meetings usually run about an hour to an hour and a half and this meeting has already reached that. Ms . Glass asked to elaborate on her suggested goal of monitoring the Complete Street changes on Eiwa Street and the access to libraries and schools . She stated that the ADA Coordinator's position was created because of the Burkhalter-Montgomery suit against the County for inaccessibility of both physical and program barriers . Many of the physical barriers have been removed by Doug Haigh and his staff but there is new construction happening all the time . Back in the 80's , MACFEA created the rules MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 6 whereby new construction plans go to DCAB to make sure they will be fully accessible before they are implemented but often times there is a change between the plans and the actual construction due to an environmental cause or other reasons . In doing surveys of the streets around the Civic Center they found numerous problems , and she would like MACFEA to monitor the actual construction to ensure that it is usable and accessible , which will prevent costly repairs in the future . Ms . Ching asked whether these areas of concern are all on County property to which Ms . Glass replied yes . Ms . Ching stated that there are contractors and project managers that are in charge and are liable for the construction ; what authority would Ms . Nuland -Ames have to tell them to stop or change construction ? Ms . Glass stated that MACFEA' s mandate is to advise the Mayor of anything they find that is incorrect so he can then instruct the project manager. Ms . Nuland -Ames explained that yes , by State law the plans and specs go to DCAB for ADA compliance and when they are released to contractors/subcontractors , part of the contract is that they are following ADA compliance . The contractors will not get paid if they do not comply and will have to re-do it to become compliant. Mr. Haigh has offered to come to the next meeting to explain what is going on and go over the plans . Ms . Nuland-Ames has been working very closely with the Public Works engineers although MACFEA members can go out and monitor construction on their own . Ms . Glass requested the receipt of reports from Ms . Nuland -Ames about the progress and that it is accessible . Ms . Nuland -Ames reiterated that Doug Haigh is the project manager and has offered to come and have discussion with the Committee . Chair Costales asked if someone would like to make a motion to invite Doug Haigh to the next meeting to which Ms . Glass replied that she would like to discuss the Committee ' s goals . Ms . Ching agreed . At the suggestion of Ms . Eiben , Chair Costales requested that discussion on the specific goals as presented be added to the agenda for the next meeting . Ms . Glass commented that she would like to discuss the Ho ` ike issue and feels that this whole discussion on goals should be on the next meeting ' s agenda . Staff asked for clarification on whether that would be part of the specific goals previously requested to be placed on the agenda to which Ms . Glass replied yes . Dr. Lucy stated that they had received an email to submit goals and had assumed that her submission would have been on the agenda but it wasn 't and she would like to know what the procedure is . Staff explained Boards and Commissions' policy of posting meeting agendas 6 business days prior to the meeting date . The goals had been received after the agenda had already been posted therefore the specific goals were not included . However, there is a general business item relating to goals that is included on the agenda under which the Committee could present and discuss their suggestions on proposed goals . Dr. Lucy asked whether they were given a deadline to submit their MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 7 goals , to which Staff replied no and further explained that at the previous meeting , it was never stated that individual/specific goals would be included on the agenda , only the topic of proposed goals . Staff offered to receive and compile a list of goals from individual members to simplify the process . The specific goals will be included on the next agenda . Ms . Ching asked to clarify that Dr. Lucy' s goal was not on the list that was read to which Dr. Lucy replied right. Ms . Ching asked Dr. Lucy to share what her goal was . Dr. Lucy stated that it had to do with the accessibility of County Public Access programming through Ho ` ike , noting there are several issues that she has attempted to discuss with Ho ` ike on her own ; she was never able to get an appointment or response to her requests . She mentioned the double-captioning issue with the County Council meetings and Ho ` ike airing programs . She feels they are major issues and had asked that it be included in the plan . Ms . Glass moved to ensure that Dr. Lucy Miller's suggested goals are also included on the agenda for the next meeting . Staff explained that some of the goals submitted were very long and had been condensed into general terms , but that the first goal on the list read by the Chair is in regard to Ho ` ike's accessibility issues . REPORTS • DCAB Dr. Lucy reported that this Thursday, DCAB is meeting to adopt the action plan for the coming fiscal year. She is not at liberty to read off an action plan that has not yet been voted on . However, they will have the results next week and Ms . Nuland -Ames can mail out copies to the members if they wish . Ms . Glass asked Dr. Lucy if that could be emailed to her to which Dr. Lucy replied that it will also be posted on the website , which is now fully accessible to all special needs . • ADA Ms . Nuland Ames reported that she has received emails about the double captioning and has contacted the parties involved with contract compliance and will be meeting with them this afternoon . Based on her research , as a small , private , low funded , local content TV station , Ho ` ike is exempt from the FCC requirements . She spoke to DCAB and asked for more direction on what concerned people can do . It was suggested to her that individuals wanting the captioning should work with the local TV station to help train more people on the captioning equipment, encourage people submitting videos to caption them , work with the video production training program to include captioning as a recommendation in the training , and to help build a group of volunteer captioners ; it needs to be a people powered effort as the County does not have the legal standing to force Ho ` ike to do anything . Ms . Nuland -Ames reiterated that all schools are being checked for accessibility through DCAB training and feels she is not the person to provide reports on State property. Ms . MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 8 Nuland-Ames was able to obtain information on the ADA Coordinator for the Hawaii State Public Library System , Diane Eddy, who is responsible for accessibility and would be the best person to contact; Ms . Nuland -Ames does not want to tell the State Coordinator what to do . Work is underway for the Li­hu `e Civic Center ADA improvement project and Doug Haigh has volunteered to explain the plans to the Committee . In reference to the communication accessibility with the Wi-Fi system , Ms . Nuland - Ames stated that she did check it today and it is working in the room . She also noted that IT provides bi-monthly reports . The DCAB training for site accessibility will be held on Friday, July 19 at 9 : 00 a . m . in the Civil Defense building . The FEMA training , which is specifically for disaster shelters and sheltering in-place for people with special medical needs , will be held the following Friday, July 26 at 7 : 30 a . m . — 4 : 30 p . m . in the Piikoi Building . Ms . Glass stated that it was her understanding under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ADA that anyone the County contracts with must provide equal access so in the case of Ho ` ike airing County programs , could that give Ms . Nuland -Ames some leverage to ensure that there is not double captioning which reverses the intent. Ms . Nuland-Ames stated that intent is one thing , the law is another and it was required by the Consent Decree to have open and closed captioning . That issue will be handled by the Attorneys but Ms . Nuland -Ames will be talking with the people who do the captioning to try and resolve the overlapping captions . Ms . Glass stated that with the new technology available today, many methods are outdated and no longer used . Ms . Nuland-Ames replied that unfortunately many of the laws are also outdated but still need to be adhered to ; the County cannot make upgrades whenever they want, they still need to comply with the law. Ms . Glass pointed out that in reference to access to libraries and schools her concern is that many of the County bus stops are not accessible though they are in the process of making better bus stops . She wanted to make sure that the Committee was monitoring the progress . Ms . Nuland-Ames stated that quite a bit is going on in the Koloa area , which was one of the more challenging ones , and there is an ADA accessible pathway now. If anyone knows of any County bus stop fronting a school or library that is not accessible , there is a complaint process to report that and Ms . Nuland -Ames will go out to check on it. Public Works and the Transportation Department are hard at work and she will be accompanying them to bus stops where there are problem areas . Ms . Nuland-Ames noted that the bus stops fronting schools will be no problem but cautioned that there may be a few bus stops in the community that are not in 100 percent compliance due to Kaua ` i 's challenging topography, which may be allowable based on the results of a Technical Infeasibility Survey. MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 9 Jeremy Lee of the Transportation Department reported that there are a total of 49 locations around the island that they are looking at providing upgrades to ; this fiscal year there is money to fund about 10 of those locations . Chair Costales noted that the group had lost quorum , with only 5 members present . The next meeting will be on September 17 , 2013 at 12 : 30 p . m . , Mo' ikeha Building , Meeting Room 2A/2B Adjournment: Chair Costales announce the meeting was adjourned at 2 : 31 p . m . due to the loss of quorum . Respectfully submitted by: Cherisse Zaima , Support Clerk ( ) Approved as circulated ( ) Approved as amended MACFEA — July 16 , 2013 10 P4�' OP sf .t • %989 DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD 919 Ala Moana Boulevard , Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Xv Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 August 27 , 2013 Mr. Glenn T. Kimura President Kimura International , Inc. 1600 Kapiolani Blvd . Suite 1610 Honolulu , HI 96814 Regarding : County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan dated July 2013 Dear Mr. Kimura , The Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) would like to thank you for the opportunity to review the County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan . The purpose of this review is to ensure that this project will take into account accessibility design requirements for persons with disabilities. The following general statement should be included in the County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan : "All buildings, facilities, and sites shall conform to applicable federal, state, and county accessibility guidelines and standards. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 103-50 requires all State of Hawaii or County government buildings, facilities, and sites to be designed and constructed to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, and other applicable design standards as adopted and amended by the Disability and Communication Access Board. The law further requires all plans and specifications prepared for the construction of State of Hawaii or County government buildings, facilities, and sites to be reviewed by the Disability and Communication Access Board for conformance to those guidelines and standards. " New construction and alterations are required to comply with the U . S . Department of Justice's (DOJ) 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards) http:/Iwww. ada. gov/2010ADAstandards index. htm . To be consistent with the DOJ's standard , DCAB adopted the 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as of January 1 , 2011 and passed interpretive opinions consistent with the 2010 ADA Standards . All new Interpretive Opinions can be viewed or downloaded at http ://www. health . hawaii . gov/dcab/facilit --access/interpretive-opinions/. Mr. Glenn Kimura President Kimura International , Inc. Regarding : County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan August 27 , 2013 The 2010 ADA Standards contain provisions for recreational facilities such as play equipment, exercise machines, routes to areas of sport activity , amphitheaters and other outdoor assembly areas and comfort stations . We strongly encourage the use of the following accessibility guidelines, published by the U . S . Access Board . These accessibility guidelines are not yet enforceable by the U . S . DOJ under the ADA, nor have they been adopted by state rules under Hawaii Revised Statutes ( HRS) § 103-50 . However, these accessibility guidelines provide guidance for a minimal level of accessibility for those elements not addressed by the_ enforceable 2010 Standards : • Draft Final Outdoor Developed Areas Accessibility Guidelines , published October 19 , 2009 ; • Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way; Shared Use Paths , Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking , published February 13 , 2013 . We offer the following comments regarding the County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan : • In addition to buildings and structures , it is important to note that outdoor performance areas and amphitheaters are also required to comply with the 2010 ADA Standards. • It is recommended that exterior interpretive and informational signs comply with the provisions of Section 216. 3 Directional and Informational Signs in the 2010 ADA Standards . • Where parking is not provided , please ensure that an accessible pedestrian route is provided to connect the various park and recreation elements with the boundary of the site. • Where new on-street parking is provided , it is required to comply with DCAB Interpretive Opinion 2011 -01 . • New boat wash-down areas are required to comply with DCAB Interpretive Opinion 2011 -05. • The ground surface at accessible parking is required to be firm , stable and slip- resistant. Semi-permeable materials such as grass pave and other plastic sub- surface reinforcement structure systems do not comply per DCAB Interpretive Opinion 2011 -02 . • Ho'okahi (community-build) projects and 'Adopt-a- Park' projects are required to be submitted for review by DCAB per HRS §103-50 where drawings and/or specifications have been prepared for construction . 2 Mr. Glenn Kimura President Kimura International , Inc. Regarding : County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan August 27, 2013 • Where existing ' port-a-potties' are to be replaced or new ones are provided , they are required to be accessible per section 213. 2, exception 3 of the 2010 ADA Standards. In addition to the above comments related to the technical provisions , DCAB recommends that "people first" language be used throughout the content of the Master Plan . For example, instead of "handicapped persons" , the phrase "persons with disabilities" should be used . In addition , the phrase "handicap access" should be replaced by the phrase "accessible entrance" or "accessible means of access and entry. " We also note that the Master Plan references several concept plans (CP) for individual park sites. We recognize that once completed , they may be implemented in phases. Thus , it is critical that accessible routes between elements and facilities on the site be appropriately designed and configured in the CP. We urge you to seek our review on the CP for each park site when developed to ensure that accessible routes are provided . The above reflects DCAB's technical assistance and recommendations, not a formal Board recommendation for the County of Kauai Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan. Please note that all individual Parks and Recreation construction and alteration projects must be submitted to DCAB for review per HRS § 103-50. Should you have any further questions, feel free to contact Ms . Mona Higa, Facility Access Specialist at (808) 586-8121 . Sincerely, Jo 0" cukt Jaij FRANCINE WAI Executive Director c: Lenny Rapozo , Jr. Director Department of Parks and Recreation County of Kauai V // Linda Nuland-Ames ADA Coordinator County of Kauai 3 •�P/a 1959 a 1� i DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD o- 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 a Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 August 2013 Report from the Disability and Communication Access Board for City and County of Honolulu , Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Mayors Committees Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Committees Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council Submitted by Francine Wai , Executive Director 1 . DCAB New Web Site As of July 2013 , DCAB has a new web site . The new address is : http ://health . hawaii . gov/dcab/. Check out the new site , and let us know your opinion . 2 . DCAB to Sponsor Conference and Workshop on Accessible Communication Access Design Features DCAB is hosting a training on communication features and applicable accessibility requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG ) on September 18, 2013 at the Neal S . Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room from 8 :00 a . m . to 4 : 00 p . m . with Rex Pace , Technical and Information Services Coordinator of the U . S . Access Board . This one-day training highlighting the elements of a building , facility, or site that impacts individuals who are deaf, blind , deaf-blind , or with other communication access needs is targeted to architects and other design professionals . This would include audible and visual fire alarm systems , intercom systems , telephone systems , Braille and tactile signage, protruding objects , etc. Cost of the session is $60 for early registration by August 21 , 2013 and $75 thereafter. To view the workshop program or obtain a registration form , go to http ://health . hawaii . gov/dcab/. For more information , contact Mona Higa at mona . higa(a�doh . hawaii . gov or Laurie Palenske at laurie . palenske(a�doh . hawaii . gov. Mr. Pace will also be conducting a free two (2 ) hour non-design session for consumers on September 17, 2013 from 4 : 30 p. m . to 6 : 30 p . m . in the Kakaako Conference Room at Ward Warehouse . At the "Access to Communication Systems" session you will learn about communication access products in various environments, classroom acoustics , assistive listening systems , drug container labels , ATMs , fare machines, and other communication methods . For more information , contact Kristine Pagano at kristine . pagano(a)doh . hawaii . gov. 3 . Public Hearing on Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11 , Chapters 216 and 217 DCAB will be holding a public hearing on August 29 , 2013 from 11 : 00 a . m . to 12 : 00 p. m . on the proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules ( HAR) , Title 11 , Chapters 216 and 217 . The proposed amendments will amend rules that govern DCAB's plan review under Section 103- 50 , Hawaii Revised Statutes ( HRS ) primarily to incorporate the changes in Act 277 that authorize DCAB to charge a review fee. The rules would provide practices and procedures to consistently implement the review fees. The proposed amendments would repeal Chapter 11 -217, HAR and transfer provisions to Chapter 11 -216, HAR. It also repeals procedures for site surveys for architectural barrier removal and procedures for projects subject to other laws . The proposed amendments would harmonize practices and procedures with the accessibility guidelines adopted by the Board . Harmonization would provide rules that are more consistent with federal accessibility guidelines and standards . A copy of the proposed amendments is available for review at the DCAB office , online at DCAB's web site , or a hard copy can mailed upon request. For more information , contact Curtis Motoyama at curtis . motoyama(a�,doh . hawaii . gov. 4 . DCAB Dialogues with the Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transportation DCAB conducted an informational forum with the Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transportation ( HART) regarding accessibility to the rail system on June 14 , 2013 . Although this does not immediately affect individuals on the neighbor islands , the magnitude of the project will impact people with disabilities using the rail system . The dialogue focused on the design of the rail station (which of course must meet ADAAG and must be reviewed by DCAB's Facility Access Unit) as well as operational issues such as service animals , emergency backup, coordination with TheBus and HandiVan , staffing of the stations to provide assistance , etc. We expect that this dialogue will continue for years as HART develops policies and procedures for the operation of the system . DCAB also offered comments to HART on two (2 ) issues to improve access to the rail stations . DCAB supported the use of four (4 ) car, rather than two (2 ) car trains , believing that it will offer a less hurried and safer boarding process for persons with disabilities with more doors to enter and exit the trains . DCAB also offered comments in support of a proposal to construct a barrier wall at the edge of the platform to the tracks to prevent individuals from falling on to the tracks. DCAB believes that this will be an added safety measure for individuals with unsteady gait, ambulatory difficulties , visual limitations, or other disabilities . DCAB recommended to HART that the stations be adequately staffed to assist individuals , particularly individuals with disabilities , who may be unfamiliar with the operation of ticket machines , use of the restrooms , boarding procedures , emergency notification , and other operational procedures . For more information on DCAB's comments , contact Curtis Motoyama at curtis . motoyama(a)doh . hawaii . gov. 5 . DCAB End of the Year Report The fiscal year for all state agencies ended on June 30 , 2013 . DCAB , along with all other state agencies , was busy collecting data that reflected the work that has been accomplished in the past year. While our formal Annual Report is not yet completed , we share some highlights with you . In managing the parking program for persons with disabilities , DCAB : • Coordinated the issuance of twenty eight thousand two hundred and two (28 ,202 ) placards to eligible persons with mobility disabilities . Of that number, eleven thousand eight hundred sixteen ( 11 , 816) were renewals issued through the mail by DCAB . • Paid the Counties $ 112 , 812 on DCAB's behalf to issue first time placards . The Counties collected approximately $80 , 000 for the issuance of temporary placards and replacement placards . • Sent out one thousand two hundred sixty four ( 1 ,264) letters to the estates of deceased permittees and retrieved six hundred twelve (612 ) placards back in return . In managing the facility access blueprint review process under § 103-50 , HRS , DCAB : • Conducted one thousand twelve ( 1 , 012 ) blueprint reviews ; five hundred fifty four (554) were new projects and four hundred fifty eight (458) were resubmittals of prior projects that had deficiencies . • Responded to five hundred ninety one (591 ) design phone or fax inquiries from architects and engineers . • Sponsored or cosponsored two (2 ) design conferences for architects and other design professionals (on residential and recreation facilities design ) , three (3 ) workshops on home modification , and seven (7) additional workshops on design . In administering our responsibilities for communication access, DCAB : • Tested eight (8) new interpreters under the Hawaii Quality Assurance System ( HQAS) credentialing system . • Enrolled sixteen ( 16) interpreters in our new continuing education unit (CEU ) program and sponsored two (2) workshops for interpreters to earn CEU credits. • Completed three (3) American Sign Language videos on ADA rights for deaf and hard of hearing consumers. In fulfilling our ADA coordination responsibilities , DCAB : • Successful obtained issuance of a revised Governor's Directive on the ADA. • Coordinated webinars for the forty-five (45) State ADA Coordinators . • Updated the State's " Reasonable Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities" Manual . DCAB took positions and offered testimony on the following subjects: • U . S . Access Board - Proposed rules on facility access for emergency transportable housing . • U . S . Access Board - Proposed rules on public rights of way and shared use paths. • Proposed federal legislation on captioning in movie theaters under the ADA. • Proposed federal legislation on captioning on airplanes under the Air Carrier Access Act. • Proposed federal legislation on hybrid vehicles . • Federal Transit Administration - Proposed ramp slopes for vehicles such as buses or shuttles. • Proposed rules of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission on discrimination in housing as it relates to animals as a reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities . • Proposed guidance on accessibility guidelines for electric vehicle charging stations issued by the State Department of Business , Economic Development, and Tourism . • Proposed legislation (approximately 30 testimonies) at the State legislature on disability- related issues. • Proposed legislation (ordinances ) on bus fares for elderly and disabled persons, mobility management, and complete streets to the City and County of Honolulu's City Council in Honolulu . • Proposed legislation (ordinance) in the County of Hawaii relating to service animals . In next month 's Update , we will inform you of our activities in the areas of education , community living , employment, emergency preparedness, and transportation/travel . If you would like additional information , please feel free to contact DCAB at dcab doh . hawaii . gov and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate staff. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don 't forget to sign up for DCAB's four (4) E-Bulletins For the Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities E-News, contact debbra . iackson(a),doh . hawaii . gov For the Facility Access E-Bulletin, contact laurie . palenske(a),doh . hawaii .gov For the Communication Access E-Bulletin, contact kristine . pagano doh . hawaii . gov For the SPIN News, contact jan .tateishi (c doh . hawaii . gov OF N4 � •�P/a 1959 a 1� i DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD o- 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 September 2013 Report from the Disability and Communication Access Board for City and County of Honolulu , Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Mayors Committees Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Committees Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council Submitted by Francine Wai , Executive Director 1 . Two New DCAB Board Members Appointed Governor Abercrombie recently appointed two (2) interim members representing the disability community to fill vacancies on the DCAB Board . Ms . Pauline Victoria Aughe is a Big Island resident from East Hawaii with work experience in California in the disability arena as well as data analysis experience in the Silicon Valley. Mr. Bryant Yabui is an Oahu resident who currently works at the Hawaii Disability Rights Center as an Intake Advocate/Attorney. Bryant graduated with a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland , Oregon . Both Pauline and Bryant have expressed interest in assisting with DCAB 7s responsibilities to manage the statewide parking program for persons with disabilities as users of the program . We welcome them to DCAB and look forward to their respective contributions to the Board . 2 . DCAB Traveler's Tips Updated Our Traveler's Tips for Oahu , Maui , Kauai , and the Big Island have been updated . A new version of each guide has been placed on the DCAB web site and can be found under "Community Resources . " For more information on the guides , contact Charlotte Townsend at charlotte.townsend (a)doh . hawaii . gov. 3 . DCAB Conference and Workshop on Accessible Communication Access Design Features , September 17 and 18, 2013 — LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATION Just a reminder about the two (2) DCAB sponsored trainings on accessible communication features . Registration deadline for the September 18, 2013 conference at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room from 8: 00 a. m . to 4 : 00 p . m . with Rex Pace of the U . S. Access Board is September 4 , 2013. This one-day training highlighting the elements of a building , facility, or site that impacts individuals who are deaf, blind , deaf-blind , or with other communication access needs is targeted to architects and other design professionals . This would include audible and visual fire alarm systems, intercom systems , telephone systems , Braille and tactile signage, protruding objects , etc. Cost of the session is $75 . To view the workshop program or obtain a registration form , go to http ://health . hawaii .gov/dcab/. For more information , contact Mona Higa at mona . higa(a)doh . hawaii . gov or Laurie Palenske at laurie . palenske(a),doh . hawaii . gov. Mr. Pace will also be conducting a free two (2 ) hour non-design session for consumers on September 17, 2013 from 4 : 30 p. m . to 6 : 30 p . m . in the Kaka 'ako Conference Room at Ward Warehouse . At the "Access to Communication Systems" session you will learn about communication access products in various environments, classroom acoustics , assistive listening systems , drug container labels , ATMs , fare machines , and other communication methods. This training is free but registration is required ; registration deadline is September 10 , 2013. For more information , contact Kristine Pagano at kristine . pagano(a),doh . hawaii . gov. 4 . Recommendations to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) After discussions with DHHL staff regarding their policies for providing accessibility features in a home for an eligible homesteader, DCAB provided extensive recommendations to DHHL. DCAB's recommendations reflect that a person should not be charged for accessibility features if those features are Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG ) compliant for residential housing . DCAB's recommendations do not specify how to accomplish this , whether it be the development of alternate models or individual case by case modifications . DCAB also recommends that all home models have visitability features . For more information , contact Curtis Motoyama at curtis . motoyama(a),doh . hawaii . gov. 5 . DCAB Recommendations to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) On June 14, 2013 , DCAB hosted an informational forum with HART CEO Daniel Grabauskas on the proposed rail system for Honolulu . Among the many issues discussed were the design features of the stations and trains , all of which must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG ) . At the request of HART, DCAB offered comments on two (2) design features that are not covered in ADAAG . The first comment was in support of a four (4) car train instead of a two (2 ) car train to help in the boarding and de-boarding of passengers . DCAB felt that the presence of more doors would make it easier for passengers with mobility disabilities to board . The second comment supported the installation of a barrier, such as a plexi- glass wall , at the edge of the platform to prevent people from falling onto the track. If you have any questions regarding DCAB's recommendations , contact Curtis Motoyama at curtis . motoyama(a�doh . hawaii . gov. 6 . SPIN Conference The Special Parent Information Network (SPIN ) will be holding its Annual Conference on April 5 , 2014 at the University of Hawaii , Campus Center. This year's theme is " Hit a Home Run with SPIN . " Please mark your calendars ! More details will come in future Updates . 7 . DCAB End of the Year Report — Part 11 Last month , I updated you on DCAB's year-end activities in the areas of parking , facility access , communication access , ADA Coordination , and advocacy on legislation . This month highlights our activities in the areas of education (through the Special Parent Information Network) , community living , emergency preparedness , transportation and travel , and employment. Through SPIN , DCAB : • Responded to one thousand two hundred fifteen ( 1 , 215) calls and emails on our "warm line . " • Sponsored the SPIN Conference and Awards and conducted four (4) additional trainings for parents and the community on parental involvement in the educational process . • Provided staff support to the Special Education Advisory Council ( 10 meetings) and hosted the Coalition for Children with Special Needs (7 meetings) . In the area of community living , DCAB : • Coordinated with community groups such as Kupuna Caucus , Deaf and Blind Task Force , and the Caregiver Coalition to support legislation to develop or expand services for persons with disabilities . The most successful efforts were securing funds for a comprehensive service center for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing , and deaf blind as well as services for persons who are elderly. • Provided comments on the statewide independent living plan . In the area of emergency preparedness , DCAB : • Provided significant technical assistance on emergency preparedness efforts with Makani Pahili ; the Regional Catastrophic Planning Grant with the Department of Emergency Management; the Hawaii Mass Care Council with State Civil Defense ; and Alternate Care Site planning efforts to ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are taken into consideration . • Conducted outreach meetings in the community to obtain feedback to update the "2009 Interagency Action Plan for the Emergency Preparedness of People with Disabilities and Special Health Needs . " In the area of transportation and travel , DCAB : • Provided testimony to the Legislature and City and County of Honolulu 's City Council on bus fares , complete streets policy, mobility management, and pedestrian safety. • Hosted a forum on access to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation rail system . • Provided testimony at the national level on hybrid vehicle sound levels and ramp slopes for vehicles such as buses and shuttles . In the area of employment, DCAB : • Conducted trainings on reasonable accommodation for state employees and handled sixteen ( 16 ) complex reasonable accommodation cases for state employees with disabilities needing an accommodation . • Updated the State Manual on Reasonable Accommodation . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don 't forget to sign up for DCAB's four (4 ) E-Bulletins For the Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities E-News, contact debbra .jackson doh . hawaii . gov For the Facility Access E-Bulletin, contact Iaurie . palenske(adoh . hawaii . gov For the Communication Access E-Bulletin, contact kristine . pagano doh . hawaii . gov For the SPIN News, contact jan .tateishi (a)doh . hawaii .gov Kauai NFB Minutes of Meeting Date : July 5 , 2013 Time : 10 : 10am Called to Order by: Betty Bell Attendance : Betty. Gavan , Doug , Laurel , Geri , Ayume , Brigitte , Teddy, Alesna , Gilmore , Kealoha , Gordon , Gladys , Elizabeth , Laura , Bob , Debbie Agenda : A) Minutes of meeting dated June 6 , 2013 approved with the following corrections : 1 . May 2013 ending balance $3 , 853 . 29 . 2 . You don 't have to be a member of the NFB to request for a free white cane from the organization . B ) Treasurer's Report: June 2013 beginning balance $3 , 853 . 29 Ending balance $3 , 688 . 79 C ) Old Business : 1 . Gilmore purchased a $ 10 Kauai Bakery gift card , a $20 Times Supermarket gift card and a $20 Macy's gift card from the Kauai NFB treasury. 2 . Debbie is not able to commit in organizing the white cane walk due to prior commitment. D ) New Business : 1 . New Visions Program is open to anybody who is legally blind , 18 years and older through the Hawaii State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. Homemaker and/or personal home management to learn independent living skills is also considered a vocation . It is a program for visually impaired adults that requires a 1 year commitment. Anyone who is interested to attend the program need to contact Laurel at (808 ) 274-3333 . 2 . Geri showed the beautiful hand -painted fans that she is currently making to sell in the near future . F ) Guest Speaker: Gavan Abe from Ho'opono Topic : New Visions program and other programs offered for the blind at Ho'opono . Meeting adjourned at 11 : 58am . Kauai NFB Minutes of Meeting Date : August 2 , 2013 Time : 10 : 05am Called to Order by: Elizabeth Villasista Attendance : Elizabeth , Geri , Kim , Richard Lopes , Laura , Kristy, Gilmore , Reginald , Gladys , Gordon , Kealoha , Debbie Agenda : A) Minutes of meeting dated July 5 , 2013 approved with the following corrections : 1 . Add Kim and Richard in the attendance . B ) Treasurer's Report: July 2013 Beginning balance $3 , 688 . 79 Ending balance $3 , 688 . 79 C ) Old Business : 1 . Debbie will be off island on the White Cane Walk Day. However, she made a commitment to help: a ) Make the reservation at Kukui Grove , including microphone and sound system . b ) Make arrangement with Lions Club to do the setup , assist with the White Cane Walk and do the cleanup . c) Notify D O E to inform visually impaired students who may be interested to join the White Cane Walk. 2 . White Cane Walk is scheduled on October 4 , 2013 ( Friday) at Kukui Grove Food Court center stage . The program will commence at 10am and will probably be done in 1 hour. 3 . NFB members will meet at 9am , 1 hour before the program begins , to give out flyers , be information resource and answer questions from the public. 4 . Gladys will bring the White Cane Walk chant. 5 . Gordon volunteered to : a ) Be the contact person for Kukui Grove when Debbie leaves . Contact Gordon Fuller at (808 ) 636-7900 or email fullervision @me . com . b ) Invite the Mayor or his representative to do the Proclamation before the walk starts . c) Invite a representative from the Kauai Tourism Authority and the Governor's Liaison . d ) Ask disability insurance companies to support the White Cane Walk. 6 . Kristy volunteered to make the program in print and braille . D ) New Business : 1 . Patient Information Guide for Low Vision were distributed during meeting for the members . 2 . Honolulu Chapter is asking for $60 donation from other chapters to send Ho'opono students to the State Convention . Table for next meeting . 3 . Gordon deputized all members who are present as Accessibilty Ambassadors . F ) Guest Speaker: 1 . Reginald McPherson Topic: Growing wheat grass for health . 2 . Kristy Mayfield Topic: Talked about her experience as a visually impaired student at Ho'opono , the U H Manoa Kokua Program for the visually impaired students and her future goals . Meeting adjourned at 11 : 38am