pages: CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2018-05-09.pdf, 19
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CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities | 2018-05-09 | 19 | COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MEETING MUTES OF Wednesday May 9, 2018 6:30 p.m. Jenn Barrett: Do you want me to go up there? Beth Kenny: Thank you. Jenn Barrett: Thank you. Alex and Patrick. Jenn Barrett: One of the initiatives we were discussing at our group retreat was about increasing businesses, helping them be more informed about disabilities and how they can make small changes to their businesses to make it more accessible and welcoming to people of all different types of disabilities. And so what I came up with and Anto, you've been helping me as well, is coming up more of a reward system than a slap on the wrist kind of thing. And so the thought was, "Okay, I'll have maybe 10 ways that our businesses can do small things that make a big difference in how people access the built environment." Okay, yes. So these are the 10 ways that I came up with and I'm looking for your suggestions. Jenn Barrett: My previous work was more specialized in the built environment, but I know that there's a lot of things that we can do, like training employees, which doesn't cost as much, raising awareness, and yes I just wanted to know your thoughts. And we also talked about bringing it up at a Chamber of Commerce. I actually was at the We Are Alameda at the Faction brewing event, and I met someone from the Chamber of Commerce and she's like, "Oh, this sounds really interesting. And "What can businesses do? And what's something that's not costly for businesses?" And I was like, "Well, training your employees. It doesn't cost anything but their awareness of don't put a flower pot on the ramp because people need to use the ramp." And you'd be surprised that that happens a lot. And so, yes, just excited to hear your thoughts on it. Jenn Barrett: Okay. And these are a lot of things that I think if they're doing a remodel, they can incorporate. Such as the first one, change out doorknobs, which is hard for twisting and small locks, which need dexterity, changing those out for the lever handles and larger locks. If you're changing the door, you might as well change the hardware to make it easier. Increasing the font size of menus and signs. Adding handrails to stairs and ramps. Adding grab bars at toilets, replacing high thresholds with a half inch maximum and a one to two bevel so that's easier for wheelchairs to get over it. Replacing the center support tables, the ones with the column in the middle of the table, with distributed support, so that you can easily roll under the table. Increase the width of aisles and relocate product to reduce tripping hazards. Securing rugs and entry mats reduce tripping hazards, again. And then, something to reduce background noise for those who are hearing impaired. My dad, for instance, is hearing impaired, and sometimes he won't go to a restaurant, because it's so loud that it's just very hard on him with the hearing aids. Jenn Barrett: And then again, training employees on how to assist persons with disabilities. And as I'm reading this list, again, it's not only people with disabilities, it's people with strollers or people who just need an extra help. So that was my thought on those. But I know members of our committee have different disabilities that they're aware of. And so, maybe there's another one that would pertain to something that you guys are familiar with. Beth Kenny: Thank you. This whole thing is amazing. Yes, I'm really excited. I'm wondering a little bit about it. So, is the idea to maybe present it at the Chamber of Commerce and then actually 05/30/18 Page 19 of 32 | CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2018-05-09.pdf |