HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1993, C-4 - DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY (DAD) IIIII^I�`IIIIIIIIIII��� II MEETING DATE:
I' I A���� city or san lugs osIspo 2-2-93
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER:/f
FROM: Ann Slate, Personnel Directo
Prepared by: Jill Sylvain, Personnel AnalyA
SUBJECT: Disability Awareness Day (DAD)
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution designating April 22, 1993, as
"Disability Awareness Day" as a part of the City's continuing efforts to recognize and
support the disabled citizens of San Luis Obispo.
DISCUSSION:
Since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was passed the City of San Luis Obispo has
actively engaged in complying with the letter and spirit of that legislation. In
December of 1984 the Affirmative Action Committee sponsored a Handicap
Awareness Program for City employees. Our Public Works Department has an on-
going sidewalk ramp installation program responding to requests from the public. The
City's transit system accommodates disabled people with equipment like wheel chair
lifts, public address systems to call out stops (on new buses) and driver empathy
training.
The 1991 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) focused even more attention on the
importance of responding to the special needs of disabled people. This Act, like the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibits discrimination in employment and requires equal
access to City programs and services for the disabled. The Personnel Department was
assigned the task of assuring compliance with this legislation. A committee was
formed in January of 1992 and has been making steady progress.
Full compliance with this act is not simple. All City facilities, services and programs
have to be reviewed for compliance followed by written documentation of the
findings. Training is also a required part of this Act. Currently staff is working with
the State Department of Rehabilitation to provide all City employees with a half day
of training. Additional training will be given to those employees who have heavy
contact with the public to gain an understanding of how to respond to questions and
requests from disabled people.
The Personnel Department and the Affirmative Action Committee will coordinate a
-Disabilities Awareness Day to be held in April of 1993. Students from Cal Poly will
assist at information tables; videos and speakers will be used throughout the day.
The business community will be notified and encouraged to participate through the
BIA and Chamber of Commerce.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None anticipated. Personnel staff time to coordinate the event will be approximately
two to three days total. Cal Poly will also be coordinating a Disability Awareness Day
+iiiillllilll I����III IIIIIII MY Of San. tins OBISp0 2
C.A.®. SPECIAL REPORT
in May of this year. We will be able to use displays and materials and equipment from
Cal Poly which minimize our costs.
ALTERNATIVE:
Do not hold a Disabilities Awareness Day this year but encourage employees and the
business community to attend Cal Poly's DAD to be held in May 1993.
GOAN
RESOLUTION NO. (1993 SERIES)
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 22, 1993 AS
"DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY"
i
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis wants to continue to demonstrate its support
and interest in providing services to disabled citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to heighten the awareness of our employees and the
local business community; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the necessity of input from the disabled
community to continue improving our ability to serve this community; and
WHEREAS, the City believes when the business community better addresses
the needs of disabled citizens it will result in and create more opportunities for
disabled citizens to patronize these local businesses; and
WHEREAS, when equal access to all City programs, services and opportunities
for employment is provided to disabled citizens it will benefit the entire community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of San Luis Obispo
hereby designates April 22, 1993 as "Disability Awareness Day" (DAD) to encourage
all residents, employees and the business community to better understand and
accommodate disabled citizens of this community.
Upon motion of , seconded by , and
on the following roll call vote:
Page 2
Resolution No. (1993 Series)
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the resolution was adopted this day of 1993
Mayor, Peg Pinard
ATTEST:
Diane Gladwell, City Clerk
APPROVED:
City Ad inistrative Officer
� tory ey
Personnel Director
GAADI