HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 05/26/2011COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Fort Collins City Hall: Council Information Center: 12:15 p.m.
May 26, 2011
PRESENT: Jeffrey Coon, Michael Devereaux, Thomas Klender,
Michelle Miller, Karen Perry, Terry Schlicting
ABSENT: Sam Cavallaro (No Contact), Hettie Hueber (Contact),
Michelle Patello (Contact)
CITY: Ethan Cozzens, Rosanne McDonnell
GUESTS: Don Willson – Hearing Loss Association of America
Dave Kemp – COFC
Craig Foreman - COFC
Call to Order: 12:17pm
1. Introductions
2. Approval of Minutes
April: Approved Motion by Devereaux, Second by Perry
3. Open Discussion General Public
None
4. New Business
a. Don Willson provided a PowerPoint presentation on assistive listening devices.
Specifically, he wants to raise awareness to the public about hearing devices
known as “Listening Loops”. These are becoming popular in Europe, especially in
banks, places of worship, sports arenas, hospitals and terminals of mass transit.
The premise is simple; copper wire is installed, “looping” off a section of a
facility. A sign is installed with the universal symbol of a looped copper wire.
Any individual who has a hearing device with a telecoil, or T-coil, installed can
turn this feature on and when physically inside the perimeter of the looped copper
wire, their hearing device is automatically amplified. Currently there are 3
“looped” systems in Fort Collins. CSU has one, there is a system installed in a
private apartment and Don Willson has a portable looping system. The portable
system cost about $200.00. First Methodist Church is considering spending the
$9,000.00 it would take to loop the entire church. Don has been in discussion with
the Lincoln Center to loop during their remodeling. He would like to encourage
looping in all public places and especially new construction of public places. He
would like to encourage a section of City Council Chambers for looping to get
more individuals with hearing impairment active in the community. For more
information visit the website for Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) or
visit www.audiology.org, or “Google” “Hearing Loops”.
b. COD will revisit which other boards and commissions members want to be
liaisons to at the June meeting. Members will connect with them by reading the
public minutes, and reaching out as necessary. Liaisons will attempt to attend at
least one meeting annually.
5. Old Business
a. Periodic Review Questionnaire
This is due July 1
st
. Coon reviewed each section asking for feedback from
members. He will finalize it and submit it by deadline
b. E-Bikes on Bike Trails
Craig Foreman and Dave Kemp presented an update on this subject. For more
information please contact Craig at (970) 221-6618 or “DK” at (970) 218-3967.
c. Ramps for Downtown Business Access
Devereaux reported that the first ramp was installed at Dean’s Barbershop on
Tuesday, May 3, at 1:30. It was well attended and the media was there.
d. New Mayor
Aislinn Kottwitz is the new liaison between the COD and City Council. Coon
will contact the new Mayor, Karen Weitkunat, and make her aware of the annual
Mayor’s Awards on Disability.
6. Adjourn: 1:52pm Motion by Miller. Seconded by Schlicting
Submitted By: Michelle Miller