HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Joint Work Session with the Accessibility Task Force
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
From: Brad Eller, Recreation Supervisor
Meeting Date: December 20, 2005
Subject: Joint Work Session with the Accessibility Task Force
BACKGROUND
In 2004, a resident with a disability raised questions about accessibility for City facilities. As a result of
this request, we discovered that the City had not completed the required Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) evaluation of its buildings, parks, programs, and services to determine barriers to participation.
City Council authorized JQP Inc., a finn that specializes in accessibility evaluations, to conduct the
evaluation and develop. a transition plan for correcting barriers.
In the fall of 2004, City Council reviewed and accepted the facility evaluation and transition plan. The
facility evaluation identified structural barriers to participation, and the transition plan acts as a guide for
the City to make positive changes regarding accessibility issues, both physically and programmatically.
In addition to beginning work on correcting the most significant barriers (Priority 1 corrections), City
Council also authorized a citizen task force to be assembled to assist in implementing the transition plan.
The task force was charged with the following tasks:
. Review JQP, Inc'sassessment of accessibility barriers of city facilities and provide additional
recommendations as needed.
. Review of programs and services that the city provides related to accessibility.
. Review policies, procedures, practices, and benefits to ensure they do not discriminate or limit
opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
. Develop a communications plan to ensure that infonnation can be provided in alternative
formats for individuals with disabilities.
. Establish grievance procedures to allow individuals with grievances related to accessibility to
have due process.
UPDATE
Accessibility Task Force
A citizen task force of approximately 10 members volunteered for the task force and met for the first time
in December of 2004. The task force consists of parents, students, professionals, and user group
representatives. Since then, the task force has met on a regular basis to discuss accessibility items.
The task force has been meeting at locations reviewed in the transition plan in order to get a first hand
look at facility and service related accessibility issues:
December/Community Center- Introductions, Overview from JQP, Inc., Discussion offocus and role
of the Accessibility Task Force.
January/Hiawatha Park Shelter- Toured the facility, made recommendations for the transition plan,
and reviewed the transition plan documents for City Hall, Community Center, Ice Arena, Aquatic Park,
Parks/Facilities, and Parking.
February/Community Center- Toured the facility, made recommendations for the transition plan, and
discussed an ADA Minnesota grant application.
March/Library- Toured the facility, made recommendations for the transition plan, Carla Kress
(certified recreational therapist) facilitated a discussion on the communications aspect of our self
evaluation.
April/City Hall- Toured the facility, made recommendations for the transition plan, Carla Kress
facilitated discussion regarding 'Communication' (publicity materials, interpreters, a 'go to' staff person
to handle inclusion and disability requests and/or accommodations).
May/Y outh Building- Toured the facility, made recommendations for the transition plan, Tierney
Brothers made a presentation on assisted listening devices.
June/Police Dept.- Toured the facility and made recommendations for the transition plan.
August/Fire Station #51- Arc Great Rivers invited several community parents to take part in this
meeting. We discussed programs, services, the importance of inclusion and our role in facilitating
requests.
September/Library- Discussed 2006 accessibility budget items, proposed late fall workshop with
PRAB/City Council, discussed the FT staff accessibility updates completed to date.
November- Accessibility update presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
2006 WORK PLAN
1. Facility Accessibility Corrections
The majority of Priority 1 facility corrections were completed this year, as directed by City Council. Staff
that are responsible for corrections in their area of supervision continue to work on a few remaining items.
I have attached a summary status report ofthe Priority 1 corrections for your review.
The 2006 operating budget includes funding for Priority 2 corrections, and would be one component of
our 2006 work plan. If the budget is adopted as proposed, we would begin working on these corrections
in 2006.
2. Accessibility Services
The second major focus for 2006 work plan is the general category of "accessibility services". We are
using the term accessibility services to define the City's responsibility under the ADA (and other
regulations) for ensuring access to all City programs and services.
There are four major components covered under accessibility services:
A.) Inclusion.for Citywide Services
Although the Parks and Recreation Department is taking the lead role implementing the City's
accessibility transition plan, it is a process that effects every City department and employee. The
City and City employees must be prepared for requests regarding accessible facilities, programs,
communications, accommodations and more. Within each department, requests regarding
accessibility must be handled in a proper and professional manner. A protocol must be
developed to ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided to those in need. This protocol
is termed the Assessment Process.
Assessment Process
Parks and Recreation will like be the primary department that receives requests from individuals
with special needs. However, any department that provides services to the general public may
have a request from time to time. For example, if a department offers an educational or
informational program to the general public, the department must ensure that it can provide
reasonable accommodations for someone with special needs. Some examples of reasonable
accommodations might be having the program at an accessible facility, offering information in
alternative format (brail, large print, etc.), or providing an interpreter for hearing impairments.
Individuals with special needs are required to provide "reasonable notice" of a special need.
However, reviewing and facilitating requests for individuals with special needs is a skilled
process. Assessments (see attachment #1), evaluations and continued monitoring must be
conducted when making accommodations when including an individual in a ongoing program,
such as swimming lessons. However, even one-time requests may involve some level of review
to determine what accommodations are reasonable. Familiarity with types of disability and how
to interact and communicate with people with disabilities will be necessary in some cases. This
process is best facilitated by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), who has
training in. disabilities as well as how to handle requests for special accommodations..
B.) Communications
The City is required to provide an effective means of communication to people with visual,
hearing, speech, and cognitive disabilities. Communication support must be provided in a
manner that enables people with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with all others,
unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the program or activity or in undue
financial or administrative burdens (The standard for public agencies is high).
Communication barriers can be eliminated through two primary means:
1. Auxiliary aids and services (TTY's, assisted listening, interpreters)
2. Structural communication features
The City is in the process of acquiring communications devices that are required by ADA
standards (primarily TTY machines and assisted listening devices). Once obtained, the City
must publicize the availability of such items at its facilities and educate and train appropriate
staff on use of these devices. Coordination of standardized logos, formats and documents
amongst City departments with the pertinent information (such as TTY phone #'s) must be
implemented. The most effective way to carry out this process within City Departments must be
determined.
Protocol for handling requests for braille, interpreters, written document formats, audio and
other items must also be determined.
C.) Training
Attitudinal barriers are the number one challenge faced by people with disabilities. The attitude
and the behavior exhibited within our agency and employees toward people with disabilities sets
the tone for the level of acceptance and success of programs and services. These barriers are the
least expensive to overcome.
The City's Transition Plan recommends the following:
-Training on the ADA and what it means to our City;
-Disability awareness training for all City employees on person first language and how to
interact and communicate with people with disabilities;
- Education on the mission and vision of our City in serving all of our residents; and the City's
responsibilities and efforts to make programs available and accessible to the general public.
-Ongoing training for facilities and custodial employees on accessibility design guidelines.
-Training for building employees to educate them on the accessible features present within each
building.
-Other trainings may include information on how to use auxiliary aids, accessing braille
resources, interpreters and other communication needs.
A plan of action for City employee training must be determined.
D.) Staffing and Resources
Consideration for Staff Specializing in Accessibilitv
There are a wide range of responsibilities, tasks and goals involved in City's overall accessibility
evaluation. To succeed in implementing what is contained in the transition plan requires time,
skill and knowledge. It is challenging for current staffto provide the level of service required to
meet the wide range of responsibilities involved with the self evaluation and the transition plan
due to the lack of knowledge, training and familiarity with these types of services.
Consideration should be given to providing the staff resources that would focus on accessibility
and be the City's designated' Accessibility Coordinator', a designation currently given to Mark
Themig. This individual would handle all City accessibility issues, which would include, but is
not limited to:
~ Staff liaison to the citizen Accessibility Task Force;
~ Recruit, train and hire part-time staff to assist with program requests and
accommodations,'
~ Network and develop partnerships with community agencies and organizations;
~ Provide ongoing trainingfor City employees;
~ Develop policies and procedures;
~ Review facility accessibility plans;
~ Coordinate documentation of the self evaluation process;
~ Conduct individual assessments and inclusion requests;
~ Oversee citywide communication process,
~ Collaborate with outside organizations to maximize resources,' and
~ Communicate with independent consultants on specialized projects.
A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a highly qualified individual that
undergoes ongoing certifications and specializes in the area of working with people that have
disabilities in various recreational settings. A professional with this expertise would be a great
asset to the City and could focus their time on accomplishing the goals of the accessibility
evaluation. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification states that 11% of
CTRS's are employed by Communities and 3.5% by schools.
The 2006 operating budget includes funding for staffing resources. The Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board recommended that we actively pursue collaborating with the school district to
share staffing resources (see below).
Collaboration
The City should consider collaborating with outside organizations to establish and maintain
communication with professionals and consumers from a variety of backgrounds that have a
common vision about accessibility and serving people with disabilities. The school district,
ARC, group homes, and senior residences are just some of the organizations where relationships
could develop to enhance our facilities, programs, services and community accessibility issues.
These relationships could entail sharing staff (as discussed above), providing j oint programs, and
ensuring that we are not duplicating our efforts.
Consulting
The City will need to evaluate working with companies such as JQP, Inc. (the company that
created the City's accessibility evaluation) in the future in order to provide advanced level input
on specialized projects in regards to accessibility. For example, we may need assistance
evaluating a specific accessibility issue or design.
3. Role. of the Accessibility Task Force
The ATF, which is comprised of community members and professionals, has provided valuable input
regarding accessibility issues in relation to The City of Shakopee' s facilities, programs and services. The
group has met on a monthly basis over the last year.
We believe that the ATF can continue to playa valuable role in improving accessibility, although with a
reduction to quarterly meetings. If agreeable to Council, the A TF would focus on the following goals for
2006:
- Monitor and make recommendations regarding transition plan updates;
- Review accessibility of programs and services as needed;
- Assist in training staff and the public regatding accessibility needs and concerns;
- Facilitate educational programs for staff, parents and the public;
- Work closely with City staff during the transition of proposing a new staff person in 2006. Continue
to work with that staff person in order to accomplish the goals of the City's transition plan.
Attachments
#1- Assessment Example
#2- Star Tribune Article: 'Accommodating Customers with Disabilities'
REQUESTED ACTION
Several members of the task force will be in attendance at the work session to share their thoughts and
expenences.
City Council is asked to discuss the work the Accessibility Task Force has completed to date, review the
proposed work plan, and provide additional direction as needed.
~c.~~wd- :1-.1-
City of Eden Prairie Adaptive Services Area Assessment Form
Address: State: Zip:
Date of Birth: Age: Sex: M F
Home Phone: Work Phone Cell:
0 Autism: 0 Feta Alcohol Syndrpme 0 Mobility Impairment 0 Speech Delay
0 Brain Injury 0 Fragile X 0 Multiple Sclerosis 0 Spina Bifida
0 Cerebral Palsy 0 Deaf/Hard of Hearing 0 Non-Verbal 0 T ourette Syndrome
0 Down Syndrome 0 Learning Disability 0 Non-disabled 0 Tuberous Sclerosis
0 EBD 0 Mental Health 0 Physical Disabilities 0 Visually Impaired
0 ADD/ADHD 0 Mental Retardation 0 Prader Willi 0 Other
o' ODD 0 Mildly Mentally Impaired 0 Retts Syndrome
0
leisure Education 0
Recreation Participation 0
Coanitive Skills Phvsical Skills Social/Emotional Skills
0 i Concentration/Attention 0 i Strength/Endurance 0 t Initiate Conversation
Span .
0 t Memory/Orientation 0 t Fine/Gross Motor 0 t Self Image, Confidence, Esteem
0 t Problem Solving 0 t Hand-Eye Coordination 0 t Anger Management
0 t Ability to Follow Directions 0 t Balance 0 i Emotional Expression
Leisure Education
0 Leisure Awareness 0 Social/Interaction Skills 0 Initiate Participation in Leisure-
0 Problem-Solving 0 Access Leisure Related Resource Related Activities
Recreation Participation
0 t Independence/Autonomy 0 t Social Skills
.,. -~~- t Positive Self Concept
0 t Motivation through participation 0
'.'
,
..--
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES
i~. ""((', "?l\"'~'~"-""'!;.""<>"""""'i--"';::'''''''''''''''''fl:I''ii:::.:M''X."'",,.........''!..~, ~~v~"
. \~(ii)MMl0JN€J€;~"E10N%t:"-'.< ·
---...:...900d - dominates conversation _ inappropriate topics
_shy - limited conversation _ interpreter needed
PLEASE EXPLAIN
/-
-
.. "... ....li!!Et&S"S'IBlfBr~l~ls'URe~B:zfR'RI~BS 1
_' . ...' ':>:. :~.' ''" ';t. ..;.1:. .\ ",;,:. :.'; :,-.' ;;';;:.' 'I' ~.: :., ":,~ ,. :
~ ...,,~ ..!!' .
0 Cognitive Skills o . Hearing Deficits 0 Fatigued
0 Social Skills o' Spasticity 0 Fears/Phobias
0 Communication 0 Attitude 0 Motivation
0 Paralysis 0 Mobility 0 Self Confidence
0 ROM Limitations 0 Fine Motor Skills 0 Transportation
0 Perceptual Problems 0 Visual Acuity 0 Financial
PLEASE EXPLAIN
_ Can recognize danger _ Ability to take turns
Please Explain
.
,
y N
Does the participant have seizures?
If yes, what type of seizure(s)?
Likelihood and frequency of seizures:
Desired first-aid procedures:
(Our policy is to call 911 if a seizure lasts more than 3 minutes, unless otherwise requested by a parent/guardian)
Other Comments:
,.
Toiletinq Procedures
.Is participant toilet trained? y N
If not, please explain procedures to follow in case of accident:
Publicity: My name _ photograph _ both ~ may be used for publicity purposes.
.
-
\.~commodating Customers With Disabilities ~"',,",e# ~' & http://www.startribune.com/stories/1757/5712414.htJ
, HOi1jue I Jobs WI ADA Top read stories Top emailed stories
Accommodating Customers With Crime follows as meth Pillows are -breeding
Disabi I ities takes hold in Twin Cities grounds for fungus
Cop, woman had - Crime follows as meth
tumultuous history, takes hold in Twin
Laura French, Star Tribune Sales and .;c.. : Printer ,::::ji i::-mail this records show Cities
Marketing ~_: friendly "__-' story Mess of a success? Father-In-law shot,
Last update: November 7, 2005 at 9:36 AM Johnson lends calm to ' killed after complaint
Purple's surge about messy kitchen
The Americans with Related content Signs indicate green Fixit: Departing
Disabilities Act (ADA) isn't October Is National Disability reign could be coming snowbirds should leave
just about employees in the Employment Awareness Month - to an end heat on
Focus On Ability State trooper arrested; St. Louis Park leaders
workplace. ADA Title ill is drunken driving want city to. go wireless
designed to protect customers Jobs suspected
with disabilities. Title ill How Fear Impacts Sales Strategies
." .
covers any "place of How Fear Impacts Safes Strategies ',. 46:_~~~~~ra,4;;~tt~' 'd~gree~,
accommodation" operated by How Fear Impacts Sales Strategies
a "private entity." A Breath Of Fresh Air ::an;~(~}~ihc:Ol~es, ·
A Breath Of Fresh Air
According to the Department
of Justice, which enforces '. .::';,,',
~5?,~,t:~t~ piogrmm
ADA Title ill, "places of accommodation" include everything from
banks to bakeries, food stores to funeral parlors, shoe stores to
schools. That means, in a very real sense, understanding and
~omplying with the ADA is everyone's job.
Service Dogs And Sign Language
No matter what your role in an organization - owner, manager or
employee - if you deal with customers, you may be required to know . .._.. ~M --
and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title m. Top JODE + lVlore Top Jobs
',:1' A.ssistant Director, Maintenance
For example: You're a host or server in a restaurant. A customer Writing & Reading Mecpanic
comes.in accompanied by a dog wearing the blue jacket that College of 81. Cathrine Aramark Uniform
identifies it as a service animal. Can you refuse-to let the dog into Physical Therapists Retail Sales
Merit Care Medical Acme Tools
the restaurant? The answer is no, you can't. A service animal is Group System
considered adaptive equipment, just like a wheelchair or cane. The Programmer Administration
, ADA requires that such equipment be accommodated. Mac~in Library Media Open Access
Pacl~aging Materials Technology
Let's say you're in retail sales, and a person who is hearing impaired Specialist Medical
comes into the store. What measures are you required to take to Ryt Way Industries Prairie St John's
communicate? In this case, the answer is it depends. If you're selling SALES Clerical
REPRESENTATIVE Metropolitan State
something relatively simple - film for a camera, for example- TC American Monorail Univ
providing a pen and paper and writing answers to questions is Medical - Executive Nurse
probably enough. If you're selling a complex item, like a car, you Director Of Patient Lyngblomsten Care
might actually be required to provide a sign-language interpreter so Care Services Center
Innovis Health Machine Operator
that your hearing-impaired customer gets the same level of help and Driver: Delivery And Kapak Corporation
information that other customers receive. Pick Up Sales Manager
Business Data Record Star Tribune Jobs
Work In Progress Service Advertiser
Orchestra Hall is one Twin Cities facility that's working actively to CooI'dinator Patient
Service
support the rights of customers with disabilities. Mary Withheld
Rascop-Peterson, training and personnel supervisor, calls it a "work ____ ~... w ----_.. .. ~-
in progress." Although the hall was. built pre-ADA, numerous ---
changes have been made, from installing lower counters in the box ..1) . Find jobs by keyword:
office and bar areas to adding Braille signage in rest rooms. . xfcrk
'.-r'- i I I 'F"ao.=r.~---~
."-.oJ ,_' '0..-1 GO.
\..; "'-. i
Usher training encourages thinking about the facility from the More Options
perspective of people with disabilities. The box office asks everyone Alfresco Casual Living Cars I Homes I Jobs
This lifestyle store blends Apartments
the indoors and outdoors Shopping and Classifieds
in a "garden" style of Place An Ad
decorating. Carefully
') ,,-I" ':l I"'hnc-on ;fame 10:07 A
AccoID..I-nodating Customers With Disabilities http://www.starh'loune.comJstories/1757/5712414.htJ
,
who calls for tickets whether any special accommodations will be Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
needed, so that staff can plan ahead for service dogs and Feedback I Terms of Use I Privacy Policy I Member
wheelchairs. Center I Company Site I Company Directory &
Contacts I Company Jobs I Advertising
Knowing What Isn't Required Information I Newspaper Subscriptions &
Service I eEdition I Classroom Newspapers
It's also important for staff to know what they aren't required to do, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488 (612)
Rascop:':Peterson says. For the safety of both patrons and staff, 673-4000
ushers won't transfer people from wheelchair.s to concert. hall seats,
although once the patrons have. been seated, ushers will store their
wheelchairs and bring them back at the end of the concert. Nor does
staff provide restroom assistance, since the ADA doesn't require
"services of a personal nature."
Rascop-Peterson adds that employees with disabilities are her best
resources for improving service to customers with disabilities. For
example, an usher who uses a wheelchair is particularly helpful in
advising patrons in wheelchairs how best to access various parts of
the facility.
For more information about ADA Title ill, including other examples
of challenges you might encounter on the job, go to the Department
ofJustice's ADA website,
www.usdoj.gov/crtlada/taman3.html#iii-.4.2100.
-. --
Laura French is principal of Words Into Action, Inc., and is a
freelance writer from Roseville.
Get the all-new Star Tribune delivered to your
home each day!
Click here to subscribe.
!Q9'D~t.u:f>C'
.. :\3('
~~'th~~
.~,,,
- ... ....,__.,_"......_ ........ ,..PI Jll
Incomplete Priority 1 Corrections-2005
Site Item Comments
Library Braille Signage (2)
Card Catalog Height Seeking equipment
Children's Card Catalog Height Seeking adjustable keyboard
City Hall Acccessible Parking and Signage Weather permitting
Curb Cut Weather permitting
Signage (3)
Elevator door hardware Service company will fix next visit
Assisted Listening Currently working with rep.
An older system does exist
Community Assisted Listening Currently working with rep.
Center
Accessible Parking ATF change from P2 to PI
Need 4 addl. Spaces Add spaces, signage
and van striping Weather permitting
Police Dept. Assisted Listening Currently working with rep.
Braille signage
Reposition cell toilet dispenser (2)
Sitting Room- table with clearance
Fire Station Van Accessible Parking Weather permitting
#51
Fire Station N/A The ATF recommended that
#50 corrections not be made due to the
lack of public use at this facility.
Public N/A The ATF recommended that
Works corrections not be made due to the
lack of public use at this facility
and the remodeling.
Huber Park Parking Redevelopment
Toilet Rooms Redevelopment
Lions Park Assisted Listening Currently working with rep.
Play Equipment Replace missing ladder
Bath house Redevelopment
O'Dowd Accessible route Redesign in 2006
Tahpah Assisted Listening Currently working with rep.
Park
Parking Designate at 3 locations
\0
Accessibility
Update
City Council Workshop
December 20, 2005
SHAKOPEE
COMMUNlT'i PRIDE SINCE 1857
Accessibility Evaluation
Background
. 2004 resident request regarding accessibility
. City had not completed the required ADA evaluation,
which determines barriers to participation
. City Council authorized JQP, Inc., to conduct the evaluation
. Results were presented in the form of a self evaluation and
transition plan (prioritization) for correcting barriers
. Fall 2004- Council reviewed and accepted the evaluation
and transition plan
. Council directed staff to make Priority 1 corrections in 2005
. Council recommended that a citizen task force be
assembled
L-.. . o. _
Citv Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
r?...HAKOPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources. and Facilities December 20, 2005
1l~'~ITYrAlIl[SI~",m
1
"
Accessibility Task Force
Focus and Role
. Review barriers in relation to City facilities
and provide recommendations
. Review City programs and services
. Review City policies, procedures and
practices to ensure no discrimination or
limitations to those w/disabilities
. Establish grievance procedures
_..... -
Citv Council & Accessibility Task Force Work Session
~I'll~~~!!! Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
Accessibility Task Force
Citizen Task Force
. Assembled in December, 2004
. 18 members
. Parents, students, professionals,
community members
. Monthly meetings
. Reviewed programs and services
. Toured and made recommendations for
facilities based on priority corrections
L-.. ,.. _
City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~HAKo.~E Parks & Rer.reation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
:tI!ol>m~h\!ll. ~
2
.
Accessibility Task Force
Members
o Mark Brown o Colleen Thoresen
o Audrey Brown o Deb Kohlhardt
o Nick Brown o Arvid Sornberger
o Carla Kress o Julie Greges-Olson
o Karla O'Brien o Mary Kay Hartley
o Marilyn Lang o Pat Tietz
o Jennifer Clarke o Sarah Howe
o Brad King o Tami Heiling
o Barb Grohs o Holt Bennigan
l...... ...
Citv Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
L?....~AKOPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
Ulo!IIl!Ml"I!'IlI!lf5l~lm
Priority 1 Corrections
Exam pies
Task Force Work Session
December 20, 2005
3
.
.
2006 Work Plan
Accessibility Corrections
. 2005- Complete Priority 1's
. 2006- Complete Priority 2's
(as proposed by staff in the 2006 budget request)
gMEETS ALL APPLICABLE
AOA REQUIREMENTS
Cit Council & Accessibilit Task Force Work Session
uo.l~~~!~! Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources. and Facilities December 20, 2005
2006 Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Inclusion for Citywide Services
. Effects every City dept. and employee
Must be prepared for requests regarding
accessible:
(J Facilities
(J Programs
(J Communications
(J Accommodations
. Responsibility to handle requests properly and
professionally
. A protocol must be developed to ensure that
reasonable accommodations are provided
-...... - City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~AKOPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources and Facilities December 20, 2005
l!.'llTYfftlUlS~..uIU1 '
4
0
2006 Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Shakopee School District
Special Services
Number of Students on individual evaluation plans:
Birth to 4 yrs. Old 99
Ages 5-9 215
Ages 10-12 161
Ages 13-18 216
Total 691
L-... '0. _
Citv Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~HAKOPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
~"'UNlnI'llIPfSI~lJS7
2006 Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Assessment Process
. Individual Requests
~ A skilled process that requires assessment,
evaluation and continued monitoring
~ Familiarity with disabilities
~ Knowledge of how to interact and communicate with
people that have certain disabilities
~ Best facilitated by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialist (CTRS)
_... - City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
[HAKOPEE Parks & Recreation. Natural Resources. and Facilities December 20, 2005
O!tII.R.'l<ITYl'lllJ(SL'<<l'tu:!
5
.
2006 Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Communications
The City is required to provide an effective means of communication to
people with visual, hearing, speech and cognitive disabilities.
. Barriers eliminated through two primary means:
~ Auxiliary aids and services (TTY's, assisted listening, interpreters)
~ Structural communication features
. City Responsibilities
~ Train staff on the use of communication devices and publicize the
availability of such items
~ Coordinate standardized logos, formats and documents amongst
City departments
~ Create a protocol for handling communication requests
- ...
City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~!.I~OPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
Il!llMij~l\)' rl)f$l!onllil:'
Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Training
The City's transition plan recommends the
following:
. General ADA guideline training
. Disability awareness training for all City employees
. Education on the City's responsibilities and efforts to make
programs available and accessible to the general public
. Ongoing training for facility and custodial employees on accessibility
guidelines
. Training for building employees to become familiar with accessible
features present within each City building
. Informational trainings on how to use auxiliary aids, accessing
braille resources, interpreters and other communication needs
- ...
City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~...~AKOPEE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources and FRcili1ies December 20, 2005
. ~1-",",,/'l!JOC!il...uJilJ '
6
.
.
Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Staffing and Resources
The accessibility evaluation contains a wide range of responsibilities,
tasks and goals for staff to focus on. To succeed in the
implementation of the evaluation would require heightened levels of
time, skill and knowledge. It is challenging for current staff to provide
the level of service required to meet the wide range of responsibilities
involved with the accessibility evaluation.
Consideration for City staff specializing in accessibility
Consideration should be given to hiring an individual that would
focus on accessibility and be the City's designated 'Accessibility
Coordinator', a designation currently held by Mark Themig.
- .... ~
Citv Council & Accessibility Task Force Work Session
E?!,AKOPEE. Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and FaCilities December 20. 2005
O'Wli~1I'\'PltJllf.51~WT
Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Accessibility Coordinator Responsibilities
. Staff liaison to the Accessibility Task Force;
. Conduct individual assessments and inclusion requests;
. Recruit, train and hire part-time staff to assist with program requests
and accommodations;
. Provide ongoing training for City employees;
. Develop policies and procedures;
. Review facility plans;
. Coordinate documentation of the self evaluation process;
. Oversee citywide communication processes;
. Network, collaborate and develop partnerships with community
agencies and organizations to maximize resources; and
'. Work closely with independent consultants on specialized projects.
- ...- City Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
~AKo.!!-E Parks & Recreation. Natural Resources. and Facilities December 20. 2005
~"3lYFftllll. 1l!S7
7
,
~
Work Plan
Accessibility Services
Future role of the Accessibility Task Force
The ATF would like to pursue the following goals in 2006:
. Continue to meet on a regular quarterly basis, rather than monthly;
. Monitor and make recommendations regarding transition plan
updates;
. Review the accessibility of programs and services as needed;
. Assist in training staff and the public regarding accessibility needs
and concerns;
. Facilitate educational programs for staff, parents and the public;
. Work closely with City staff during the transition of proposing a new
staff person in 2006. Continue to work with that person in order to
accomplish the goals of the City's evaluation and transition plan.
L.... ... _
Citv Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
(?HAKO;EE Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, and Facilities December 20, 2005
'.t>\I~11'r1'al1lf ~lm
Accessibility Update
Requested Action
. Discuss the work of the A TF to date and make a
recommendation for whether or not the task
force should continue meeting;
. Discuss and make recommendations regarding
transition plan updates;
. Review and comment on the proposed work
plan;
. Provide additional direction as needed
L...... ..
Citv Council & Accessibilitv Task Force Work Session
l?.~~OPEE Parks & Recreation Natural Resources, ;;and Facilities December 20, 2005
'Sl'tYrlJIlIlitNaNl' .
8