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Commission previews ADA anniversary event, reports outreach to nursing homes; mural and community table planned
Summary
Commission members provided a final update on the July ADA anniversary/community disability pride event, reported outreach to 25 nursing homes with 11 expressing interest in visits, and confirmed commissioners' table assignments and a live mural activity.
Members of the Worcester City Accessibility Advisory Commission reviewed preparations for the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and disability pride activities scheduled a week after the meeting.
Kate McGrath (commission member) said organizers had secured live mural work by "APIC leaders" and that promotional efforts were going well. "The APIC leaders will be doing the mural live... the promotion has been going well," she said.
Dee Coruna (commission member) reported targeted outreach to long-term care facilities to invite residents and raise awareness. She told the commission she had called 25 nursing homes in the region and that 11 had said they would like a visit or to participate. "Well, right now we have 11 people that said they'd like to stop by," Coruna said, adding that many facilities had not yet returned calls and she expected additional responses in the days ahead.
Commissioners confirmed a schedule of members who will staff the commission table during the event and discussed logistical reminders such as table times. Members also asked staff to prepare a short post-event debrief so the commission can review participation and refine plans for next year.
Members emphasized inclusive communications at public events. The commission and an audience commenter reminded members to use current person-first and identity-first language preferred by community groups; an attendee asked commissioners to use “deaf and hard of hearing” rather than “hearing impaired.”
Patricia (staff member) noted the commission had planned table displays and a QR-code handout linking to the city’s online board-and-commission application to support recruitment. Commissioners asked that a short debrief of the event be added to the September agenda so memories and lessons remain fresh.
Ending: The commission will staff a table and monitor participation at the ADA anniversary/disability pride event, follow up on nursing-home responses, and schedule a debrief at the next meeting to evaluate turnout and accessibility arrangements.
