Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH) 

March 11, 2008

Present: Butch Marx, George Randells, Bonnie Bolster, Pat Teal, Kaheya Cunningham, Julie Duke, Kay Harper, Lynn Gressley

Assistant Post Master Butch Marx described Post Office services which can be made available to customers who can’t access the main Post Office.  Postage can be purchased through the Mail Carrier and out-going package pickup is available though the labeling and weighing must be done by the customer.  Also, people who want to have a Post Office box but can’t physically access it can make arrangements to have mail brought down to the back dock of the Post Office.  Although the local phone number of the Post Office is not readily available, Butch said that refrigerator magnets are available which have the USPS toll-free number and the local Port Townsend number.

Access Committee

The Access Committee reported that arrangements have been made with Jefferson Health Care to perform a complete access re-evaluation of all its programs and services.  This will take place over a three month period beginning in May.

In addition, the Madrona Mind Body Institute has requested DASH expertise to determine if the Fort Warden Gymnasium can be made more accessible for its patrons.

 

Fundraising/Treasurer’s Report 

Lynn reported that DASH has been re-certified for this year’s UGN funding cycle.  Julie reported that the current fund balance is $2,452.02.

Disability Awareness Month 

The City and County will proclaim April as “Disability Awareness Month” on April 7.

The 6th annual Disability For A Day Event will be held on April 16 and is co-sponsored this year by the Jefferson County department of Emergency Management and East Jefferson Fire Rescue.  The theme for this year’s Event is emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.  An evacuation drill will be held at the Courthouse at the beginning of the Event and during the day’s activities participants will evaluate designated emergency points of refuge in the City.

New Business

Bonnie Bolster was unanimously elected to the DASH Board of Directors.

Outside Committee Work

Pat reported that there is a proposal for the management of the Jefferson Housing Authority to be assumed by the Kitsap Authority.  This raises significant issues regarding local control and resident input into the decision-making process.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm

Next meeting, April 8, Noon to 2:00.