City interviews two applicants for Accessibility Advisory Board

The Ottawa City Commission interviewed two applicants — occupational therapist Andrea Morrow and special-education professional Nicole Hitchcock — for two openings on the city's Accessibility Advisory Board during the April 16 meeting.

Commissioners said the board has two vacancies and three applicants; the commission heard two of the candidates at this session and said it will complete remaining interviews and notify all applicants later. Andrea Morrow said she works in outpatient occupational therapy at Rock Creek of Ottawa and offered her technical knowledge of mobility devices, low-vision and hearing accommodations. “Making things accessible for people is what I do every day at my job,” Morrow said.

Nicole Hitchcock said she previously taught in the Ottawa Middle School functional life-skills program, later worked as a behavior specialist and now is employed by the Kansas State Department of Education on a grant-funded Technical Assistance Support Network (TASN). Hitchcock described experience helping families find supports for students with autism and said the advisory board could help connect residents to services and provide training for businesses and organizations. “I could bring a different perspective as far as supports for children,” Hitchcock said.

Commissioners asked both candidates how the board could help the community. Morrow suggested small, low-cost design changes such as higher-contrast paint to mark curb ramps for people with low vision. Hitchcock proposed outreach and training for businesses about autism and other disabilities and said she could supply training based on her experience.

No appointment was made at the meeting. Commissioners said one more interview is scheduled for a later date and that they will notify all three applicants after the full interview process.