October 13, 2023 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Friday, October 13, 2023 Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff shared on how the Mayor's Office, County Council, or have a room in every County Building which could provide a low sensory space, where an individual could walk in fully engaged, and if there is anxiety happening from lights, sounds or smells, they can go to, to feel safe. Chair, Michelle Hiraishi asked if anyone would like to make a motion to change the Autism Initiative to Neurodivergent Initiative. Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff made a motion to change name of the Autism Initiative to Neurodivergent Initiative for the purposes of it to be open for discussion. Secretary, Sandra Schuffler seconded. Secretary, Sandra Schuffler explained when she has spoken to the lifeguards and first responders, they are including autism and neurodivergent in their mental health training. Secretary, Sandra Schuffler suggested that a subcommittee possibly be formed under the d/DEAF/HARD-OF-HEARING Initiative, so the first responders are included in that Initiative. Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett indicated everyone has to have communication access and the Picture Exchange Communication Card. Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained if there is more than one Committee Member working on an Initiative, a permitted interaction group must be formed. If there is a sub -committee which is meeting and working together, that sub -committee must follow the Sunshine Law. Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula suggested on the next agenda, there be a 10-15 minute discussion with Corporation Counsel, on how to form a permitted interaction group. Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff explained that at the last meeting a permitted interaction group was formed and voted on for the d/DEAF/HARD- OF-HEARING Initiative, in order for Committee Member, Tiffany Dela Cruz and Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett to be a part of this Initiative, and the Youth Transitioning & Supportive Employment for People with Disabilities Initiative, in order for Committee Member, Robert Efford and Committee Member, Julia Althoff to be a part of this Initiative. Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula expressed that the permitted interaction group, which is a minimum of three Committee meetings, must have a very specific and narrowly tailored focus. Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained the permitted interaction group would prepare the report to be presented to the Committee, deliver their report to the Committee who cannot take an action based on the report. The Committee will simply take the report, and then at the third meeting they can take an action. Once action is taken, the permitted interaction group is essentially finished. Committee Chair, Julia Althoff asked if the Autism or Neurodivergent Initiative should be kept as an Initiative, or instead be focusing on the subject matter as housing, jobs, transportation, and emergency response. 2