Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Meeting Minutes TACID – 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 October 8, 2015 4:00 PM Call to Order Chair Nyland called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm Commissioners Present Luke Byram, Susan Dye, JoAnne Fritsche, Michael Maratas, Roxanne Miles, Devin Myers, Gerrit Nyland, Gary Peterson Commissioners Absent Sheryl Ellis, Todd Holloway, Krystal Monteros, Staff Present Sandy Davis, Captain Gustason, Donlisa Scott Guest Present Sheryl Stansal, Mia Navarro, Christine Wilson, Caroline Cabellen, Julie LaRock, Gerald O’Shorne Adoption of Agenda The agenda was accepted as presented. Acceptance of Minutes MOTION: Commissioner Fritsche motioned to approve the September 10, 2015 minutes. SECONDED BY: Commissioner Maratas ACTION: The motion carried Public Comment There was no public comment Presentation Police interaction with people with disabilities – Captain Gustason, Tacoma Police Department Captain Gustason, Tacoma Police Department (TPD) provided a handout and an overview of the training program for the TPD. Commissioner Fritsche mentioned that the training modules might be useful and could possibly compliment the training program for those working in the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the City. Officer Gustason said that one of the TPD officers could meet with the sub-committee to share the training program. Commissioner Myers asked if TPD had any specialized training on how to deal with the deaf, and that he knew someone that was interested in providing training. The TPD participates in online training and would welcome anything that Commissioner Myers could provide. Law enforcement officers receive 5-6 months of Academy training, then another 5-6 months of field training with veteran officers. The state requires that law enforcement agencies provide 24 hours of training per year. TPD averages about 40 hours of training per year. Chair Nyland asked would the 10th of 1% tax for funding the Mental Health program continue. Officer Gustason stated that the tax is permanent and the City is dedicated to the program. When the Crisis Intervention team is established Officer Gustason will contact Chair Nyland to schedule a member of the team to meet with COD on a quarterly basis. Tacoma Housing Authority Presentation Staff from the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) provided a handout and presentation on the work they are doing concerning housing and those with disabilities. Sheryl Stansal, Planning and Policy Analyst Sheryl shared the THA mission and vision and the high level planning they are doing this year. Discussion ensued regarding the services provided for those that are trying to find housing. Commissioner Miles shared that the need for affordable housing goes beyond what THA can do. Seniors and those that are disabled are at the lower end and helping them find a solution is crucial. Julie Larock – Rental Assistant Associate Director with Client Services. They provide services in housing and housing vouchers. Caroline Cabellen – Senior Disabled Specialist Responsible for the portfolio for seniors and disabled public housing. Mia Navarra – Associate Director of Community Services with Client Services. Responsible for case work and service coordination for all THA clients and residents. Christine Wilson – Civil Rights Compliance Auditor Participates on other projects within the Administration and the Asset Management Department. She is primarily responsible for Section 504 – Request for Reasonable Accommodations. She also works with Property Management on accessible units, and housing discrimination complaints. Discussion ensued concerning reasonable accommodations and the lack of disabled units. Commissioner Peterson suggested that their presentation should include the average cost of accommodations. Christine asked that the Commission let her know of any landlords that provide units for the disabled. Commissioner Peterson asked that we refer to disabled units as universal units. If you have any comments or questions regarding the presentation, please submit them to Chair Nyland. Good of the Order / Announcements Advocacy of the Year Award presentation is scheduled on October 20, 2015. The November 12, 2015, COD meeting is cancelled due to the COD Retreat scheduled on November 14, 2015. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm Upcoming Meetings: Annual Retreat – November 14, 2015 Commission on Disabilities meeting – December 10, 2015 3 To request this information in an alternative format or to request a reasonable accommodation for this event, please contact Sandy Davis, (253) 591-5452; TTY 711 1 To request this information in an alternative format or to request a reasonable accommodation for this event, please contact Gail Himes, (253) 591-5785; TTY (253) 591-5153