Commission for Persons with Disabilities Medford Human Rights Commission November 20, 2013

Present: David Harris, Steve Honeycutt, Dale Bryan, Marie Cassidy, Diane McLeod, and Neil Osborne Not present: Lois Bronnenkant, Henry Milorin, Charlotte Swartz, and Natalie Breen Introductions Public Participation October Minutes David motioned to accept, Dale seconded, all in favor Old Business Review of Traces Project We discussed pros & cons of the evening. We will meet again to discuss this in December in more detail. Dale and Neil met before our meeting to discuss the January MLK event (1/20/14). They talked about asking for restaurant donations and advertisement and a structured discussion by having a question on a card at each table. Later in the year they hope to put together a youth program. There was discussion of the day. Marie noted that she has had success with a 'speed dating style' with a scribe at each table and 20 minutes of discussion. The Traces Committee may have to facilitate some of the discussion. We talked about process and product. Diane mentioned that Lois wanted to talk about the possibility of Bestsellers doing a discussion and /or book as this would get the business community involved. New Business Ways to Go Diane mentioned the forum on December 3rd at the Senior Center on transportation orientation. She will step up the outreach. MFN Haitian Focus Groups Flag Day Marie discussed last year's program. She is hoping again to have food and a program, but would like to continue the program. Diane asked Marie if this is something she wanted to host under the 'Tracing Our Faces' Program. We can discuss this in more detail in December.

Marie mentioned the International Festivals she does. Dale mentioned the Hall of Flags to represent the ethnicities in the city. Marie noted that the Night of 10,000 Lights hoped to bring in $10,000.00, but made $21,000.00 Variance Requests Diane just received a variance request from Tufts University for a Somerville project. It is to make a dormitory accessible according to the MOU with the Access Board. We discussed that we are comfortable with the project, but Steve and Diane will review. Correspondence & Announcements Diane noted the Town Hall program Natalie did on November 18th to discuss small businesses that employ people with Autism. Next meeting date December 18, 2013