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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-07 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes_PRattach MCPD Parks and Recreation Report Dec 07 –Feb 08 Alisa Mitchener, Recreation Specialist 961-8740 ex 24 RECREATION Another inclusive JUDO class has been created by Ron Takeya of the Waiakea Recreation Center (961-8733 for more information). Ron is great to work with. Winter Intersession: Created modification plan for a child in the Kona Gym program. Provided I&R for foster mom. I created a recreation plan for a young woman with intellectual disabilities to use with her new personal assistant. In order to maintain her involvement in the community it takes constant updates and communication with agencies, training her new Direct Service Worker (DSW), personal funds, creativity, and a sense of humor. Keeping a personal assistant is a major challenge for people with disabilities and their families. Gaps in service often mean isolation. Gaps in service often mean families burnout. Recreation programs and goals add consistency, socialization, inclusive settings, respite, and inexpensive activities and can help fill in the gaps. The Recreation Division is gearing up for Spring Intersession and planning for Summer Fun. I revised Staff Guidelines and Parent Handbook for Summer Fun and Intersession programs. A philosophy of inclusion, new program descriptions, and problem solving techniques were added. Personal assistants are welcome to support children with disabilities in our programs. They must comply with standards for childcare workers: basic First Aid certification, background check including fingerprinting, and must be 18 years of age. I updated the accessible field trip guide for recreation staff and provided recommendations for children in our recreation programs on heavy VOG days. AQUATICS Handrails and Changing tables for KCAC: Worked with Full Life on individual needs, researched products, sought installation guidance from Parks Maintenance, requested bids and forwarded bids to P&R accounting for purchase. Aquatics orientation for the Kona Hospital restorative nursing staff: included and hands on practice with chair lift, observation of Full Life’s community swim day, floatation devices, and other resources. The new KCAC Sr. Lifeguard Derrick “Kalau” Lee also attended. Special Olympics has started their swim season at KCAC, modifications are going smoothly. EAD Paauilo update: new toilets were added, work has been done to increase the lighting in the basement restrooms. Needs further work on small landing in front of restroom and gravel parking lot entrance to Center. PANAEWA COMPLEX Volunteers with disabilities currently serve Zoo programs. Recruiting for the New Education Specialist Position has been completed. I will be working closely with the new person on ADA awareness, tour training, access issues, and volunteer opportunities for people of all abilities. COMMUNITY I attended the January DRH meeting on beach access improvements for Reeds Bay. Questions regarding improving access at Richardsons were brought up. (Ocean Safety Officers have transferred from parks and recreation to the Fire Department). Created an ad hoc committee on beach access for people with disabilities. Current project goal: Portable beach access mat for wheelchair access to Kahalu’u beach. Research funding sources, create public loan system, and work in collaboration with no-profits organizing inclusive beach events. Collaborated with Oahu’s Assistive Technology Resource Center to provide facilities and publicity for two Camp Cool sessions (Dec and Feb). This computer exploration adventure for children with disabilities, their friends, siblings, and caregivers included teamwork, digital photo scavenger hunts, assistive technology games, creative audio and animation programming. It also involved AT assessments, information for caregivers, and opportunities for parents of children with disabilities to socialize. Three teenage volunteers had a chance to serve their community as “Camp Cool Counselors”.