Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH)

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Present: Pat Teal, Sue Ammeter, Bonnie Bolster, Kaheya Cunningham, Julie Duke, Kay Harper, Lynn Gressley

The minutes from the August Board meeting were approved.

Public Access

The Access Committee reported that work on re-evaluating the Hospital has been slow to begin but that it will commence in the next month. Sue volunteered to join these evaluations and we reaffirmed our dedication to assessing the accessibility of patient information, signage and appropriate staff training.

Lynn reported with a summary of the recently passed City bicycle and pedestrian safety ordinance which includes some of DASH’s recommendations but does not go as far as we would like. This led to a discussion of recent accidents on multi-use trails, lights on bikes and a pressing question about removal of safety signage on the Larry Scott Trail. Lynn agreed to contact Ken Clow to request information the removal of signs and with what will they be replaced. Sue agreed to contact Feet First in Seattle to find out what current State law says about liability of bicyclists and pedestrians in accidental situations.

Treasury/Fundraising

Julie reported that the current fund balance is $2326.32 which includes a $307 deposit from UGN Donor Designation Program.

Lynn said that he contacted Bob Petan at UGN to get an opinion about DASH sending a letter to supporters requesting that they consider getting an Escrip Visa card to support DASH. UGN is not comfortable with this since it is currently UGN Campaign season. We will consider such a letter after November 15 when the Campaign ends.

Miscellaneous

Lynn reported that the PT Guide website will require that DASH pay to maintain it’s accessibility information on the site. This sponsorship will probably cost approximately $100. Lynn will provide more information as required.

DASH agreed to be a vendor at the Public Health Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council’s transition from school to work conference on October 28 at Fort Warden from 9:30 – 2:15 in Building 204.

Outside Committee Work

Kaheya will find out what kind of award the individual at the Governor’s Committee on Disabilities and Employment proposes to submit to recognize DASH.

DASH will meet with the MSers on October 7 to share information and concerns.

Pat reported that the Olympic Camera Club agreed in principle to help us produce a visual record of next year’s Assume A Disability Day.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:47 pm.

Next meeting, October 14, 2008 at Noon to 2:00 pm.