MINUTES
ADA Committee Meeting
August 10, 2004
1:15PM
University Commons, Room 265
PRESENT:
Ms. Catherine Powell, ChairUWF Office of Informal Dispute Resolutions & ADA
Ms. Laurie CarmeanUWFStudentDisabilityResourceCenter
Ms. Tamara LandisUWFBuilding Code Administrator
Mr. Dave LuttrellUWF Architectural and Engineering Services
Ms. Connie Pierson USF Engineering and Technology
Mr. Miles SampsonUWF Architectural and Engineering Services
Ms. Karen Devault and her UWF Freshman in Psychology/Sociology
Grandfather
RECORDER:
Ms. Vicki Kramer, Temporary Secretary, Catherine Powell’s Office.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ms. Rachel CrokerUWF Relations Coordinator
Ms. Anita Schonberger UWF Interim Associate General Counsel
Mr. Michael GuyFL Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation
Ms.Laurie Jones UWF Office of Human Resources
Ms. Karen BarthUWF Educational Media and Communications
Dr. Gary HowardUWFCenter for Univ. Teaching and Learning
Ms. Caroline ThompsonUWF John C. Pace Library
Mr. Michael WhiteUWF Information Technology Services
Ms. Lusharon Wiley UWF TRiO/Student Support Services
Ms. Barbara Fitzpatrick UWFStudentDisabilityResourceCenter
The ADA Committee at The University of West Florida held its regular monthly meeting of August 10, at the University of West Florida, in Room 265 of the University Commons. Ms. Catherine Powell, Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
See above.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Catherine Powell introduced Vicki Kramer, secretary substituting for Reta Burton, to all the people present. In turn, each person introduced themselves to the group. Catherine noted that the agenda for today was emailed to everyone and the meeting began. A welcome was given to Karen Devault, who is a new student to campus and eager to participate in the ADA Committee. It was noted that meeting reminders should also be sent to the other student members, Robert Mckee andRichard Castellano, in the future. Meetings are always the second Tuesday of each month at 1:15 p.m.
An update was given onReta Burrton’s husband. He is doing well but the doctor recommended that he should be looked at by a specialist in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are currently on there way up there and Reta will be emailing Ms. Powell.
PLANS FOR OCTOBER ACTIVITIES – DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY AND MONTH: Catherine Powell asked Connie Pierson to give an update on the planning that has been done for Disability Month, specifically October 13th, which is Disability Awareness Day at UWF. Connie said that she met with Lusharon Wiley on August 2nd regarding speakers. They are seeking a speaker from USF. Laurie Carmean said thatJimmie Peterson of Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be speaking. Catherine said that Dr. Gary Howard will be doing a simulation exercise like he did last year. The simulation that he did last year demonstrated what it is like to have dyslexia. Connie stated that Stephanie Kovacs and Dr. Beecham will be speaking too. A good number of vendors will be there also.
Catherine Powellalso said that the UWF President will be doing the welcome and a proclamation will be signed and posted for the campus community again this year. Volunteers are needed.
The Wheelchair Basketball Game will be on October 7, 2004. Both days, October 7 and 13 are being advertised in Campus News at the present time.
Ms. Catherine Powell said that 500 flyers will be printed and that assistance in distributing was needed. Tamara Landis,Laurie Carmean and Karen Devault volunteered to distribute some on campus, on the Ft.Walton campus and at PensacolaJunior College.
Catherine Powell also said that there will be some TV time given to Disability Day in September. Lots more press is being accessed to increase awareness and to increase participation. Tamara Landis suggested that we contact WEAR-TV too.
Connie Pierson brought up the fact that Homecoming is also the same week. Catherine said there was some conflict in scheduling space for both but we will have the auditorium if the weather is good. If the weather is bad, we will be in the ConferenceCenter. It will be set up to provide for 100 people. The vendors will be in the hallway leading to the Argos Grill and the Argos Lounge. There will be a continental breakfast provided, as well as lunch tickets for the vendors. A trolley demonstration will be available and the Pace Library will have an exhibit. Two interpreters will be provided by Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Catherine finished by asking for comments or concerns to be emailed to her regarding all the activities.
UPDATES: Dave Luttrell gave an update on the ADA Plans through Architectural & Engineering Services. There was more money than first thought for the 2004-05 year. He provided two handouts of items from the Hot List and discussed what was planned for the various improvements that have been brought to their attention. Catherine Powell said that her office did not always receive the same complaints that the other office did so it was agreed to notify each other better in that regard. Laurie Carmean wanted to be included in what is being done so that she can relay the information to students that problems are being addressed.
Tamara Landis, UWF Building Code Administrator, gave an update. She stated that a building inspector was in training and also a full-time inspector was hired yesterday. His name is Le Wilmont.
Laurie Carmean, UWFStudentDisabilityResourceCenter, gave an update and said that an evaluator had been in and they received some good suggestions. Letters have been sent out to disabled students regarding some changes that are being implemented. She is now in a new office with Mark Gross. Mark will be their graduate assistant this year. Laurie also said that there is an increase in the number of students with disabilities this year.
Catherine Powell gave an update on the Self Evaluation Forms that were sent out. She was very encouraged by the good feedback and felt more consulting should be done on campus regarding ADA compliance. They will continue to work on the questions, some of which were a bit awkward.
Dave Luttrell talked about the ADA Transition Plan for the entire campus. It is felt that this plan is just an analysis and it will not be funded by the University. Catherine questioned whether her office should fund the printing of the surveys for the student’s group to be doing it.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting will be September 14, 2004, at 1:15 p.m., in Room 265 of the University Commons.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. by Ms. Catherine Powell.