Subject: Fwd: Minutes, CfDC Meeting, April 6, 2005

 

 

 

Attending: Daniel Heumann, Becky Rohre, Sam Breck, Barb Chaffer Authier,

Anne Chi, Jay Sennett, Paul Guttman, Carole Dubritsky, Jack Novodoff,

Sarah Watkins, Samir Karim, Jim Knox, Russell Stuart, Anna Ercoli

Schnitzer (minutes)

 

 

In view of absence of Jack B or Doug W, meeting was more or less called

to order and introductions made.

 

IAW Speakers Committee

    Sarah reported that Tony Coehlo had accepted our invitation to speak

on Oct. 24th, venue as yet undecided (Med Center or Michigan League,

etc?), number of talks as yet undecided (1 or 2?).  He will speak on

establishing ADA, on his own epilepsy, etc.  College Dems possibly will

co-sponsor, as will Health Science Scholars.  Tony C. is asking for A

$500 honorarium plus travel/lodging.

 

    Sarah reported on Kathy Bucky, comedian, willing to come for $6000.

Sarah will try to negotiate and will try to get University Events to

sponsor, if possible.

 

    Anna reported on attempt to get Jim Abbott, UM grad and professional

pitcher, to speak.  Shelly K. may have a connection and we are waiting

to hear.

 

    Anna reported on Paws with a Cause to gather in the Diag, thanks to

Jane MacFarlane and her connections.  We can use as hook to promote

other disability issues and services, maybe with tables in Diag (Angell

Hall if it rains).

 

    Sam suggested having a day for wheelchair/glasses controlled

stimulation activity.  Discussion pro/con ensued re: disability versus

impairment.

 

    Daniel asked about Spinal Cord Injury Conference.  Jack will be

contacted about this.

 

    Paul discussed architectural/engineering/construction worker

sensitivity and how problems are often caused unintentionally. bridging

needed to raise awareness.  Discussion about busy versus off seasons for

training/construction.   In our environment, construction goes on and

people have to walk through it.

 

Construction Advisory Committee

 

      Jay reported that Mike had convened but no chair yet.  The mission

of short versus long term housing improvements, retrofitting, were

discussed.   The people who will attend the next meeting: Jay, Jack N,

Mike H,  Tom H,--we need to have a list of names.

 

Mike Harris's letter to Mary Sue Coleman about the Stadium renovation

was discussed.  The Office of Civil Rights and UM Athletic Dept

officials will do a walk through.

 

Carole reported on a new project at the Botanical Gardens regarding

accessible trails.  The Construction Advisory Committee will be asked

for input.

 

Sam B talked about the City Commission on Disability Issues striving to

make the Art Fairs safer, also public restroom accessibility, no ramps

being blocked, wheelchairs being available.

 

Sam also said that "Riding the Bus with My Sister" will be broadcast on

tv on Sunday at 9 pm.  We are not sure which channel.  This was the film

on a list proposed by the IAW Speakers Committee.

 

Carole stated that the Neubacher Committee will meet soon and publicity

for the Award to take place on the last Friday in Oct. has already

started.  Postcards and online forms will be ready shortly.  The

nominations will close on June 10th, she said.

 

Barb discussed captioning for graduation events. Power Center has a captioning

board.  We would like captioning for *all* events.  If anyone has any good

ideas about how to achieve good captioning, please contact Barb Chaffer

Authier.

 

Russ gave report about difficulties with having books scanned and problems with

software in lab.  He thinks each instructor should know where to send students

with disabilities for resources and that students should be welcomed and

informed when they come into UM.  Discussion about impairment versus disability

ensued.  Budget problems, e-reserves, creating an inclusive academic environment

were discussed, as was appreciation versus understanding of disability issues.

Paul mentioned scanning ability now available at Buhr (via Google) that would

be helpful for those with learning disabilities.  Sam mentioned general

awareness as well as specific instances as far as impairment is concerned.

 

Meeting was over at 1:30 pm.