Agenda
Commission for Accessibility
Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 11 2024 5:00PM
Via Zoom (access information below). Should someone need a special accommodation in order to participate in this meeting please contact Karen Gaudian at 203 807-4524.
Policy: Commission for Accessibility meetings will be conducted under Roberts Rules of Order and all participants are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and treat all those present with respect, empathy and civility.
Commission for Accessibility Chairman, Don Ciota, is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting hosted by Tony Philips, Town ADA Coordinator.
Topic: Ridgefield Commission for Accessibility
Time: This is a recurring meeting.
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Meeting ID: 898 4974 6946
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Meeting ID: 898 4974 6946
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5:00 PM. Call to Order
Public Comment
Follow up on ADA private parking issue.
Update up on School Transition Fair.
This event took place last Wednesday, March 6. The CoA was represented by Michael Londrigan and Don Ciota. In addition, Tony Philips attended as both a emeritus member of this Commission and in his capacity of Town Social Worker.
In addition to the Commission for Accessibility other participants included the Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield Police Department, SPHERE, Ability Beyond Disability, CT Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, CT Department of Developmental Services, and other service-providing organizations. The event was organized by Jessica DiValentino, RFS Transition Coordinator, and attended by Elizabeth Hannawa, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services.
Many parents, grandparents and students visited our table. Our table was festooned with a decorative tablecloth provided by Christine. Handouts included a glossy brochure describing the function of this Commission, which was also provided by Christine; a folded brochure of town resources provided by Tony, a paper entitled “Introduction to Transition Planning,” and a narrative, “It Takes a
Village,” featuring the long-term results of a young woman who completed such a program over 20 years ago.
It was especially interesting to converse with families about their experiences with this program and to meet with service providers, which helps to inform us as to the breath of services available. Jessica intends to make this an annual event and invited us to continue to participate in future events.
Programs and community outreach such as this event are contributing factors to RPS’ fine national reputation. The following excerpt is from the current online edition of Ridgefield Patch.
CONNECTICUT — One of the nation's top 10 "most" envied school districts is right here in Connecticut.
Ridgefield landed the prestigious honor and is at No. 9 on the list, according to a new survey from Test Prep Insight’s list of the “Most Envied School Districts in the US." Test Prep Insight is an online company whose services include helping students prepare for college entrance exams and other educational and career guidance.
"Ridgefield offers a strong educational program with a focus on both academic and extracurricular excellence. The district's commitment to innovation and community support makes it a top choice for families," according to the authors of the list.
Freedom of Information Act
PUBLIC MEETINGS
I. MEETINGS, INCLUDING HEARINGS AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS, MUST BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - EXCEPT IN LIMITED SITUATIONS.
A public meeting is any hearing or other proceeding of a public agency, or gathering of, or communication by or to a quorum of a multi-member agency, to discuss or act on any matter over which it has authority.
The following are not public meetings… communications limited to notice of agency meetings or their agendas. (Italics added). ref: CT.gov
4.3. Meetings Subject to the Freedom of Information Act
All meetings of a BCC (board, commission, committee), that do not fall within the exceptions listed above, must be open to the public and be in compliance with the American Disability Act. (TOR Information Guidelines)
4.4. Attendance
The Town of Ridgefield official policy is that members and alternates of BCC's must attend at least 75% of all posted meetings of the BCC, for the calendar year.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you MUST notify the Chairperson prior to the start of the meeting.
Protocol for Budget Expenditures
7.2. Expenses
Before a BCC member incurs expenses connected with their assignment, they must obtain approval by their chairperson, who has obtained approval of the First Selectman depending on funds available in the budget.
N.B. 4.3, 4.4, 7.2 are from TOR Information Guidelines
Adjourn
Meeting Dates for 2024:
April 8 May 6 June 10
July (none) August (none) September 9
October 7 November 18