December 3, 2003

PRESENT:
Jack Bernard (Chair), Jennifer Symanns, Dianne Widzinski, Nancy Milligan (EMU guest), Els Nieuwenhuijsen, Sam Goodin, Jayne London, Jim Knox, Victor Rosenberg, Carole Dubritsky, Mike Elledge, Anne Chi, Doug White, Brian Clapham, Duane Lee (DPS, Fire Prevention), Anthony Walesby (Institutional Equity), Les Misher (Hospital Safety Coordinator), Mary Krasny (Facilities), M.M. Eboch (Plant Extension Space Information), Mary Tuttle (DPS, Coordinator of Emergency OPS), Anna Ercoli Schnitzer (minutes).

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR:
Jack Bernard, the Chair, introduced new, unfamiliar faces, and members stated names/affiliation. Jack mentioned that this is Brian Clapham’s last CfDC Meeting. He welcomed Anthony Walesby, who will be Brian’s replacement temporarily, until a new ADA Coordinator is chosen. Jack emphasized that the Council is open to all and does not exclude anybody on any basis.

OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion of the Syllabus Language was deferred.

Jack reported on the FUN meeting where a good interchange re; promoting access on campus took place. The Council should be a venue for publicizing positive changes on campus, working closely with Facilities.

NEW BUSINESS:
A. Mary Krasny reported that there is a fund of $1 million available/year for renovations for access, which is partly used for emergent needs for incoming faculty/students. She gave the percentage and approximate monetary breakdown of ramps/entrances, elevators, restroom conversions, signage, furniture adjustment, etc. and the caveat that this does not include athletic dept. housing or hospital because it is from the general fund. She discussed the ISIS survey done 3-4 years ago and explained that buildings are updated continuously on a 3-4 year cycle with a new list of accessibility issues generated each time. It is thought that this should be made into a capital plan and that prioritizing is needed to make the best use of the funds rather than just having them given to those who know enough to ask for them.

B. Anthony Walesby added that the new ADA coordinator would do a campus-wide access study to arrive at a full understanding of needs and then address them asap. Univ of Ill, Champaign is #1 in accessibility.

C. Jack stated that he thinks compliance with 504 should be a #1 priority (now only #4, according to Mary) and that should be the floor, not the ceiling. We want to be not only accessible but also welcoming and have greater advocacy ability. Beyond the ADA coordinator role, there should also be a full-time person to advise on design, construction, more than just to-code, and latest strategy.

D. MEMBERS SHOULD E-MAIL JACK (bernar@umich.edu) IF INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THE FACILITY FUND ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITIZING COMMITTEE. (Mike Myatt, are you out there?)

E. Duane Lee, the Public Safety Fire Inspector, provided a report on his concerns: improved accessibility makes his job easier. Visual alarms, strobe lights should be everywhere but lack of funding prevents this. The procedure: If fire alarm rings, leave building without using elevator, gather on sidewalk in one designated spot. First responders are police, not fire department (although procedure differs in hospital). If there is visible smoke, etc., a follow-up call brings fire department. After mitigation of problem, security and rescue as necessary, perimeter of problem is reduced, risk management and plant department are contacted. Concerns for mobility, visually impaired were discussed.

F. Jim Knox mentioned egressibility issues.

G. Els mentioned empowering those with special needs and possibly a stretcher for transport down steps.

H. Carole asked about a written policy for evacuation and to look at ways to coordinate plans.

I. Duane explained that with smoke-tight corridors and sprinkler protection, there is quite a bit of time available, and that rescue and extraction are always a priority, so a mobility-impaired person should stay in a sheltered area, preferably near an exterior window and a phone, call 911 and indicating location, ask for help

J. Les Misher mentioned unconventional methods, safe rooms certified as being smoke tight with 2-way communication and large enough to accommodate a percentage of the buildings occupancy, as per the hospital procedure.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We all wish Brian the very best!

The next CfDC meeting will be held on January 14th at noon. Room to be announced.

2004 MEETINGS:
January 14 | February 4 | March 3 | April 7 | May 5 | June 2 | July 7 | August 4
(all meetings begin at noon)

View past minutes: 12/04/02 | 2/5/03 | 3/5/03 | 4/03 | 6/03 | 7/03 | 8/03 | 9/03 | 10/03 | 10/03 | 11/03