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Inclusivity committee highlights Pride tabling, pushes for better downtown ADA access
Summary
Committee members reported successful tabling at Plymouth Pride, collected community feedback and flagged ADA-access challenges at local businesses; the group agreed to compile feedback and pursue low-cost events such as a Senior Citizens Day park gathering and a Night Out table.
Members of the Philomath Inclusivity Committee told the group they received positive community engagement while tabling at Plymouth Pride and flagged persistent local accessibility barriers.
"We got 27 pounds of food and then a bunch of monetary donations from festival goers," Moderator Sandra reported after the committee’s Pride tabling; committee volunteers said the event drew interest and that several residents expressed a lack of awareness about the committee’s role.
A community member raised ADA concerns: "They don't participate in trunk or treat because they can't get in and out of businesses," the member said, describing people who cannot access storefronts or event booths because entrances are blocked or not truly wheelchair-accessible. Committee members acknowledged the problem and discussed volunteer assistance, potential grants and regional funding partnerships that could support temporary accessibility solutions at city events.
Committee members also reviewed outreach logistics: the Philomath 2050 survey was extended to the end of the month and members were urged to promote it; social media copy for a National Disability Independence Day Facebook post (scheduled for July 26) was approved; and members agreed to explore tabling at the Night Out event on August 4 and to plan an informal celebration for Senior Citizens Day on August 21. When numerical tallies were discussed, one member reported "just under 500" survey responses with a target of 800; other population figures were mentioned in discussion and left unresolved in the meeting.
On training and partnership opportunities, the committee discussed a refugee-training session offered by a Corvallis organization, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m., and agreed staff or the committee would confirm whether a fee or honorarium is required and whether council approval is needed for costs.
Next steps: members will search for the tabling feedback cards (some were misplaced during cleanup), prepare a thematic analysis of collected comments for the next meeting and follow up with staff about Night Out booth space and shelter availability. The committee did not take any formal votes or adopt new policies during the session.
