Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Meeting Minutes TACID – 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 April 14, 2016, 4:00 PM Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm Commissioners Present Roxanne Miles (Chair), Krystal Monteros (Vice-Chair), Luke Byram, Todd Holloway, Devin Myers, Gerrit Nyland, Gary Peterson Commissioners Absent Sheryl Ellis, JoAnn Fritsche, Michael Maratas City Staff Present Joy St. Germain, Sandy Davis, Andreta Armstrong, Donlisa Scott Guests Present Philip Bradford, C. Bryce, Dana Brush, Michael Hardie Adoption of Agenda The agenda was accepted as presented. Acceptance of Minutes Acceptance of minutes moved, seconded and approved. Public Comment Philip Bradford, a member of the Advisory Board for Self-Advocates of Washington and the New Tacoma Neighborhood Council. He serves on the Washington State Rehabilitation Council and provided information about the council. They will have an opening on the council in September. Reports Presentations Good of the Order Mental Health Committee Update – Michael Hardie Michael Hardie is a Peer Support Specialist with the Optum Pierce Behavioral Health Organization, as well as a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. They are working a stigma campaign against mental health and substance abuse issues. They will kick off the Anti-Stigma campaign in May during Mental Health Awareness month. Their mental health first aid training is scheduled April 18th – 19th, 2016, from Noon – 4:30pm. He requested assistance in sharing information about the program and encouraged everyone to attend the training. Liaison Report - Sandy Davis There was no report. Human Resources Director’s Report – Joy St. Germain Director St. Germain provided the announcement for the Work Based Learning position, and information about the T-Town Expo scheduled at the Tacoma Dome on May 7th from 10am – 3pm. This is a free event for citizens to learn what the City of Tacoma government does. She also provided a poster on the Arts and Craft fundraiser to benefit service dogs and their owners. Center for Independent Living (CFI) Report – Todd Holloway Commissioner Holloway reported that the State Independent Living Council is in the process of looking for a new Executive Director. Effective Communications Committee Update – Luke Byram Commissioner Byram reported that the Disability Advocacy award planning is coming along. They are considering adding another category for non-profit and for profit businesses. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Holloway reported that he attended the West End Neighborhood Council. He stated that this is a good opportunity for the Commission to do outreach and share information. Office of Equity and Human Rights – Andreta Armstrong Andreta Armstrong, Human Rights Manager provided an overview of their work and rack cards that provide information on the complaint process. The Human Rights Commission reviews and hears complaints filed under the City’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of the Tacoma Municipal Code. They study relevant community issues and submit conclusions and recommendations to the Tacoma City Council. In addition, they organize special committees that focus on areas of interest to the City of Tacoma residents. On behalf of the Human Rights Commission, they accept, investigate, and resolve complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Nyland provided a chart that he compiled showing the current figures that he has on housing, employment discrimination, and public accommodations investigations by type and year. Agenda Building May – The Assistant City Manager has been invited to make a presentation on the approach to the Tacoma 2025 Strategic Plan. June - Making a Difference in Community (MDC) will provide a presentation. Gail Himes will share an update on Public Works and how they are working with Pierce Transit. The Effective Communication Committee will provide an update on their recommendation for Closed Captioning. There will also be information provided about the Ethnic Fest. July - Tory Green will give a presentation and update on the emergency management exercise conducted throughout the region. Commissioner Nyland stated that the Pierce County Coordinated Transportation Coalition has narrowed their grant request and one of their areas of focus is to improve transportation for individuals going to and from kidney dialysis treatment. Commissioner Holloway will look into making Communication Access Real-Time (CART) services more efficient at the next meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned 5:45 pm Next Commission on Disability meeting: May 12, 2016 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