2013-06-26, Committee on People with Disabilities, Minutes

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2. The Department of Parks and Recreation is proceeding with installation of the curb cut and an accessible on-street parking space for the University Heights Park in Hilo due to a request by a disabled individual. 3. Conducted three service animal trainings for County employees and one at the request of a community policing officer for security staff of various retail establishments. 4. Conducted two ADA Title II trainings for police officers. For the effective communications portion of the training, I started using DVD called Deaf Sensitivity Training for Police. It was developed by Deaf Incorporated in St. Louis, Missouri, and it’s viewable on You Tube. The Department of Information Technology hired a contract employee to work on the website accessibility. It’s been a 90-day contract. It’s been funded through the ADA modification fund. REPORT OF COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I, ADA RECREATION SPECIALIST, ALISA MITCHENER A. Mitchener shared her three month overview of her programs. 1. No open house programs at Pahoa, Puueo, and Yano Hall due to Summer Fun. This year serving a full spectrum of kids with different disabilities. Referrals are made to DOE for assessment based on observations that happen in Summer Fun. That is an important catalyst for maintaining that children with disabilities have a chance for services year round. 2. Alisa was able to obtain ADA funding from Teri for modifications for disabled veterans to use the Honokaa swimming pool. Participants’ needs from Easter Seals Adult Day Program were assessed, and they are now able to use the NAS swimming pool twice a week throughout the summer. Since there has been a major shifting of senior lifeguards within the Aquatics Division she made sure they were all familiar with the pool lifts because there nine pools and each one has different pool lifts. There is a special ed class that may be creating an adaptive swim program in Konawaena. In May there was a graduation with two students who use wheelchairs and the lift to the stage in the Civic had to be compliant. State inspectors came to make sure we were compliant with the little elevator that goes up to the stage. Again, Teri helped with funding. 3. I had first chance to go to Merrie Monarch this year and observed accessibility in the stadium. Within the seating bleachers little alcoves were set up providing comparable view within the stadium and companion seating for people with wheelchairs. 4. Beach access is important now especially since it is summer time. I wanted to celebrate our collaboration with Deep and Beyond. They are there once a month on the third Friday of every month. I will be starting up Mobi Mat day in July, on Wednesdays this season, starting July 24 through September 25. 5. Janice and I did our Ad Hoc Recreation Committee. That resulted in our letter. 6. Alisa will be sending out a schedule of her programs as per Paige’s request. Alisa has submitted an article with photos about Mobi Mat Beach Projects at Richardsons for a new magazine, Hawai‘i Recreation and Park Society magazine. She joined the Learning Disabilities Association of Hawai‘i where she will do a presentation for Parks and Rec programs to parents, special ed teachers and other community resource representatives. The DOE serves 7