Council for Disability
Concerns
Present: Jack Bernard, Doug White, Marcy Epstein (welcome,
Marcy!),
Wallace Genser, Els
Nieuwenhuijsen,
Smith (come back and visit us, Joanie,
often!), Barb Chaffer Authier
(welcome, Barb!), Jayne London, Anne Chi,
Mike Chmura, Jim Knox, Mike
Duvendeck, Anna Ercoli
Schnitzer (minutes).
Jack Bernard opened the meeting, stating that with the advent of
Tony
Walesby as head of the Office of
Institutional Equity and with Carole
Dubritsky as our new ADA Coordinator, we are on a positive path
and
intend to soon bring ourselves to
the attention of the Provost and the
President. Also, Investing in Abilities will begin next
month, so this
is an exciting time.
The Council members introduced themselves to the new members, Barb
and
Nancy who were warmly
welcomed. Joanie announced
that she would be
retiring (party on Sept 30th in the
afternoon--reminder will be sent
later), but Jack emphasized that
there is always a chair here at the
Council for Joanie and she should come by often.
Jim Knox showed a
classroom. Discussion followed as to whether we could
use this type of
medium as a streaming video on
flat panel television, perhaps in Haven
Hall. Should we also use Pat McCune's video? Is it better to have
UM-produced video? We could make copies at GroundWorks
at Media
which could be used when
ready. Perhaps UMinDS
could sponsor in
conjunction with a communication
seminar, at some point? UM's
depression video could also be
used. Possibly CRLT production could be
video-taped and shown? Jack mentioned that in
government support via IDEA law.
Joan discussed the showing of "Liebe
Perla" at the Michigan Theater on
October 28th, mentioning that its author would be present and that we
could show movies all day for
our $500 charge. We have a little time
left for advertising this film festival
(Shelly? Doug? as volunteers to
help do this). Els will check with
Tobin to see if UMinDS can
co-sponsor, or perhaps Rackham. Other
title possibilities mentioned:
"When Billy Broke His
Head."
The audience will be both targeted and general. Perhaps "Hour"
magazine can include. Listing in "Ann Arbor Observer" if
we can make
time line and get their
attention to include this event.
Jack temporarily tabled the CfDC
Strategic Plan discussion, although at
the end of the meeting he
returned to it and explained that we should
all pick a project to do
individually and to use the group expertise and
meeting momentum to make it
happen, bringing our own ideas and energy to
bear on whatever project we
select. Jack hopes to have the syllabus
language introduced into the
faculty handbook and to have the language
approved by SACUA. Then, he plans to find out about the Athletic
Department's ideas on what they can do for those with
disabilities, and
he plans to invite
representatives to speak to Council.
Anna mentioned that there is very little congruity between any
dates
that Council
members suggested as the best
days/times to meet. Maybe we can try
staggering
days?
Jack spoke about taking an online course on mental disability
through NY
Walesby's office. He also mentioned attempting to
institute a disability law course at
UM's
the Associate Dean further
about it. It was suggested that he
contact
the Michigan Bar (Disabled
Lawyers Group?) for more support of this
idea. The Supreme Court deals with the issue at
least once a year, so
there should be interest. Also, the course would be open to all
students, Jack said, but we still
have to build a core of critical mass
interested in disability issues.
Doug mentioned the Texas GOP platform stating that
apply to homosexuals.
Marcy would like to be put in touch with individuals at the
Medical
School to work on disability issues pertaining to the medical and
nonmedical models, etc. Her e-mail is: mxfx
All AATA buses now accept UM ID's as passes and transportation
mechanisms for those with
disabilities has improved.
that there will be special
The next meeting will be October 6th. See you then!