►
Description
The Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs of the Council of the City of Philadelphia held a Public Hearing on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 9:30 AM, in a remote manner using Microsoft® Teams to hear testimony on the following item:
210128 Resolution authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to hold hearings regarding services for people with disabilities and general compliance with and enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A
B
B
B
Due
to
the
current
public
health
emergency
city,
council
committees
are
currently
meeting
remotely
we're
using
microsoft
teams
to
make
these
remote
hearings
possible
instructions
for
how
the
public
name
view
and
offer
public
testimony
at
public
hearings
of
council
committees
are
included
in
the
public
hearing,
notices
that
are
published
in
the
daily
news,
inquirer
and
legal
intelligence
here
prior
to
the
hearings
and
can
also
be
found
on
phl
council
dot
com.
I
now
know
that
the
hour
has
come.
Mr
inuzi,
we
please
call
the
role
to
take
attendance
members
of
the
committee
that
are
in
attendance.
B
C
A
B
Thank
you
good
morning
and
chair
green.
I
am
present.
I
do
know
that
councilmember
kim
will
be
here
shortly
and
I
know
we
saw
council
member
gautier
here
earlier.
Also,
I
do
know
just
want
to
note
for
the
public
that
asl
is
also
ready
and
should
be
providing
information,
as
we
continue
with
the
hearing
with
that.
I
want
to
thank
everyone
for
being
here
acquiring
the
committee
is
present
and
his
hearing
is
now
called
to
order.
As
I
stated
earlier,
this
is
the
public
hearing
of
the
committee.
B
By
continuing
to
be
in
the
hearing,
you
are
consenting
to
being
recorded
additionally
and
prior
to
recognizing
members
for
any
question
or
comments
they
may
have
for
witnesses.
I
will
note
for
the
record
at
this
time
that
we
will
use
the
chat
feature
available
on
microsoft
teams
until
our
members
to
signify
that
they
wish
to
be
recognized
in
order
to
comply
with
the
sunshine
act.
The
chat
feature
must
only
be
used
for
this
purpose.
B
B
We
know
we
have
a
lot
of
work
to
do
it's
going
to
take
a
significant
amount
of
time
to
make
sure
that
we
are
fully
compliant
with
the
americans
with
disability
act.
But
I
think
today's
hearing
is
a
conversation,
an
opportunity
to
provide
the
public
with
the
plan
from
the
administration
and
provide
some
feedback
and
other
perspectives
to
continue.
B
This
work,
which
we
know,
will
be
a
work
in
progress,
but
it's
so
important
to
make
sure
that
all
citizens
in
our
city,
I
have
the
ability
to
benefit
from
all
the
opportunities
that
we
have
here
in
the
city
of
brotherly
love
and
sisterly
effectiveness.
With
that
we'll
have
our
first
panel,
miss
ewing.
E
E
E
To
that
end,
our
office
has
accomplished
major
goals
over
the
past
few
years,
and
today
I
will
be
providing
more
information
about
the
ada
transition
plan
process
and
the
current
status
in
2018,
the
city
engaged
milligan
and
company
to
conduct
its
self-evaluation
and
transition
plan.
This
evaluation
included
a
physical
barrier
review
that
is
comprised
of
site
visits
at
each
of
the
537
facilities
to
determine
whether
or
not
there
were
any
ada
compliance
issues.
E
The
results
of
the
review,
which
outline
each
facility
that
was
assessed
along
with
suggested
corrective
actions,
project,
prioritization
rough
cost
estimates
and
a
long-term
schedule,
are
contained
in
the
transition
plan.
The
facilities
included
were
prioritized
by
equity
based
on
location
in
minority
neighborhoods
and
low-income
neighborhoods
that
were
impacted
by
disinvestment.
E
The
transition
plan
includes
applicable,
ada
priority
levels
as
follows:
priority
one
is
for
accessible
approach
and
entrance
accessible
path
to
and
through
the
site
and
safety
priority.
Two
is
access,
access
to
goods,
services,
programs
and
activities,
priority
three
access
to
public
toilet
rooms
or
restrooms,
and
priority
four
access
to
other
public
amenities,
such
as
water,
fountains
and
public
telephones.
E
E
During
that
time,
there
were
two
public
meetings
held
in
november,
2020
that
allowed
residents
to
make
comments
and
provide
feedback,
a
summary
of
which
was
contained
in
the
finalized
transition
plan
released
in
december
of
twenty
twenty
formal
implementation
commenced.
In
january,
twenty
twenty
one
recognizing
current
fiscal
realities,
ada
corrective
actions
were
prioritized
for
fiscal
years
2022
through
fiscal
year
2025..
E
B
Miss
ewing,
thank
you
for
your
testimony
also
make
a
note
for
the
record
that
we're
also
drawing
back
cast
member
jamie
garcia
this
morning
as
well.
Miss
ewing.
If
you
could
got
a
restate
for
the
record,
the
the
priorities.
Let's
make
sure
that
people
have
a
full
understanding.
I
know
we
provided
a
a
briefing
for
members
of
council.
One
of
the
goals
of
this
hearing
is
to
provide
some
information
for
the
public
regarding
on
the
city
ada
transition
plan.
E
Yes,
so
councilman
greene,
and
to
the
other
committee
members
and
all
who
are
present
today,
the
facilities
that
were
included
in
the
ada
transition
plan
were
prioritized
by
equity
based
on
location
in
certain
neighborhoods
that
included
minority
neighborhoods
and
low-income
neighborhoods
that
were
impacted
by
disinvestment
and
those
priority
levels.
There
are
four
and
this
is
as
per
applicable,
ada
priority
levels
that
we
used
and
they
were
as
follows:
priority
one
is
for
entryways
or
access
to
a
facility,
for
example,
as
you
enter
a
building
or
a
structure
a
site.
E
So
that's
priority.
One
priority
two
is
access
to
goods
and
services
or
programs.
So
it's
how
you
access
the
programs
that
are
contained
within
the
building,
so
that
is
priority.
Number
two
and
priority
number
three:
is
access
to
public
toilet
rooms
or
restrooms,
so
that
would
include
pathway
of
travel
accessibility
to
the
restrooms,
so
that
is
priority
level.
Three
and
finally,
priority:
four
is
access
to
other
public
amenities
such
as
water,
fountains
and
public
telephones.
So
again,
it
would
also
include
the
route
to
the
water,
fountains
or
public
telephones,
and
that
is
priority
level.
Four.
E
B
E
That
will
also
come
through
my
office
as
well
as
meeting
quarterly
at
least
quarterly,
for
any
updates
or
status
changes
to
ada
policy,
for
example,
that
they
would
need
to
know
and
to
give
refreshers
on
training,
because
sometimes
individuals
may
leave
their
position.
They
may
leave
the
city
and
another
individual
is
then
designated
by
their
department
head
and
that
individual
would
need
training.
So
that
could
be
either
individually
or
collectively.
As
a
group.
B
Okay
and
so
what
role
impact
will
liaisons
have
in
the
capital
budget
process
for
those
various
departments?
It
also
talked
about
prioritization
and
vending
made
reference
to
the
capital
budget,
and
I
recall
a
point
in
reference
to
some
of
the
challenges
we're
currently
going
through.
I
was
current
budget
process,
so
can
you
give
some
perspective
regarding
those
four
prioritization
areas
and
maybe
use
a
specific
department
on
how,
under
the
four
prioritization
areas
as
we're
going
into
the
fy
22
capital
budget,
tablet
program?
How
the
ada
transition
plan
will
be
part
of
that
conversation.
E
That
would
include
the
department
heads,
and
so
we
have
worked
with
the
departments
to
prioritize
projects
and
given
current
fiscal
challenges
due
to
covid
these
priorities,
for
example,
I'll
just
give
an
example:
if
there's
a
location,
a
facility
listed
in
the
ada
transition
plan
that
might
be
listed,
let's
say
as
priority.
Two
priority:
two
is
access
to
goods
and
services.
So
in
lay
terms
that
would
mean
that
when
an
individual
goes
to
that
location,
they
may
not
be
able
to
access
the
programs
there.
E
Maybe
the
program
that
they
would
want
to
access
is
on
a
second
floor
and
maybe
there's
no
accessible
route,
no
elevator,
for
example,
hypothetically
speaking,
so
our
work
would
would
be
to
prioritize
that
priority
too.
It
may
become
a
priority
one
in
our
review,
because,
for
example,
location
equity.
E
Those
are
some
of
the
considerations
or,
if
it's
located
in
a
neighborhood
with
disinvestment
those
would
change,
not
change
the
the
status
of
the
priority
according
to
ada,
but
under
our
review
it
would
be
given
further
consideration
with
those
other
challenges
and
therefore
it
may
move
up
on
our
list
of
prioritization
during
the
capital
budget
process.
I
hope
I
answered
did
I
answer
everything
yes,
and
I
would
also
like
to
know
for
the
record
that
we've
been
joined
by
committee
member
councilmember,
helen
kim
also
in
that
regard,.
B
Through
the
capital
program
as
well,
the
capital
budget
will
projects
be
identified
as
ada
project
of
projects
that
this
project
for
this
capital
investment
is
in
keeping
with
the
city's
ada
transition
plan.
So
for
members
of
council
as
we're
going
through
the
budget
process
and
we're
looking
at
both
the
capital
budget
and
the
capital
program,
how
will
those?
How
will
projects
be
identified
in
this
budget
process
that
this
is
a
project
that
is
helping
the
city
meet
its
goals
under
the
ada
transition
plan?.
E
E
That's
one
aspect,
and
then
the
other
aspect
is
that
there
are
some
projects
that
did
not
require
capital
budget
for
corrective
actions.
They
may
have
been
low
to
no
cost
considerations
that
could
be
resolved
with
in-house
employees,
such
as
I'll
give
an
example
adjusting
a
counter
height.
For
example.
Let's
say
at
a
library
you
know
creating
an
accessible
counter
height
at
some
portion.
Let's
say
where
the
checkout
is
or
adjusting
the
height
of
a
handrail
or
a
door
speed.
B
I
I
just
think
it'll
be
good
as
part
of
the
process
and
to
talk
with
the
capital
program,
office
and
administration,
and
probably
you
know,
marissa
waxman,
as
budget
director
and
rap
devo
as
our
finance
director,
that
that
information
is
included
in
the
capital
program
budget.
So
we
know
that
yes,
this
is
a
project
that
has
a
need
for
capital
investment
by
this
various
department,
but
also
this
project
is
being
done
in
a
way
they
all.
B
E
B
Committee
in
passing
legislation
a
few
years
ago
in
reference
to
make
war
that
are
newer,
investments
in
parks
and
recreation
centers.
This
is
prior
to
rebuild,
have
investments
and
also
have
a
perspective
of
having
a
sensory
and
other
adjustments
to
make
sure
that
they
are
fully
adaptable
for
people
all
different
backgrounds
and
perspectives,
and
that
was
you
know,
even
prior
to
the
city,
completing
the
ada
transition.
E
So
it's
not
just,
as
you
mentioned
physical
barriers.
There
are
also
programmatic
changes
that
need
to
take
place,
and
so
we
are
at
the
table
talking
with
the
departments
about
all
of
these
concerns,
the
ada
transition
plan
does
suggest
corrective
actions
as
well
for
programmatic
concerns
yeah.
I
asked
that
question
not
only
because
that
is
part
of
the
american
disabilities
act,
but
also
when
I
look
at
your
areas
of
prioritization
when
you
talk
about
goods
and
services.
Yes,.
B
For
some
being
able
to
access
good
goods
and
services,
there
needs
to
be
adaptations
that
needs
to
be
made
in
order
for
them
to
physically
participate
in
those
goods
and
services,
but
those
that
have
a
learning
difference
we
also
be.
Should
we
focus
on
how
they
can
access
bears
goods
and
services,
as
well?
As
you
know,
the
public,
accommodations
and
other
amenities
that
the
city.
E
Provides
absolutely-
and
I
just
want
to
also
mention
that
the
reasonable
modification
policy
and
form
was
also
revised
during
this
process,
and
we
encourage
individuals
to
use
those
in
in
circumstances
where,
where
it
can
be
applied.
If
there's
enough
time,
let's
say
a
few
days
within
an
event
or
a
service,
that
these
reasonable
modifications
can
be
made
to
accommodate
a
person
who
may
need,
for
example,
a
sign
language,
american
sign
language
interpreter.
D
E
E
I
cannot
really
speak
to
how
the
process
will
be,
but
the
fundamentals
of
the
process
will
be
similar
as
far
as
evaluating
all
of
the
facilities
again,
even
the
ones
that
may
have
had,
for
example,
priority
level
zero,
which
I
did
not
mention.
Those
were
sites
that
were
visited
and
they
did
not
have
any
ada
compliance
issues
at
the
time
of
the
site
visit.
E
However,
in
three
years,
as
we
know,
all
buildings
or
facilities
will
have
maintenance
issues
over
a
given
period
of
time,
so
they
will
be
re-evaluated
and
if
they
are
found
to
have
any
issues,
it
could
be
a
door
speed
that
has
become
too
fast
or
too
slow.
It
could
be
anything
that
has
changed
that
could
cause
issues
to
create
a
physical
barrier
or
programmatic
access
challenge
to
individuals
visiting
the
location.
B
And
then
I
see
both
council
members,
kendra
brooks
and
council
member
helen
king,
have
questions
and
we'll
proceed
to
their
questions
in
that
order.
But
one
other
question
I
want
to
ask:
are
you
coordinating
with
other
agencies
that
are
within
the
city
of
philadelphia
that
may
not
be
wholly
owned
by
the
city
of
philadelphia,
for
example,
septa
or
other
agencies
and
talking
with
them
in
reference
to
what
type.
E
Of
steps
they're
making
from
a
capital
investment
from
a
transition
or
com-
sorry
compliance
with
ada
at
this
time.
I
cannot
really
speak
to
that.
However,
the
ada
transition
plan
did
not
include
transportation
services
like
scepter,
and
that
is
because
they
are
their
own
entity
and
they
are
responsible
to
adhere
to
ada
regulations
separately
themselves.
E
B
So
I
think
it
would
be
prudent
to
talk
with
representatives
at
scepter
in
reference
to
where
they
are
in
reference
to
compliance
with
american
disability
act,
because
it
would
provide
it
could
provide
some
information
that
could
be
helpful
as
we
are
moving
forward
in
making
capital
investments
for
the
city
of
philadelphia.
In
this
regard,.
E
B
F
Yes,
thank
you,
mr
chair,
and
appreciate
this
important
conversation.
I
also
want
to
thank
ensuing
thank
you
for
the
you
know
for
for
being
here
to
answer
some
of
the
questions
you
know
for
clarity.
The
the
report
said
that
the
city
reviewed
the
537
facilities
is
that
correct
and
of
those
facilities
that
it
reviewed.
It
said
that
55
were
found
to
have
no
accessibility
issues,
so
you
mean
that
90
do
have
problems
with
accessibility.
Is
that
correct.
E
F
F
I
mean,
I
guess
you
know
there
are
a
few
of
the
buildings
that
I'm
I'm
kind
of
going
through
the
list,
one
by
one
as
I'm,
you
know
looking
at
it
that
have
you
know
major
issues,
but
how
are
you
handling
ones
where
there
is
almost
you
know?
It
poses
like
a
major
major
issue
like
there's:
no
there's
no
ramp,
for
example,
so
anyone
in
a
wheelchair
would
not
be
accessible
there.
F
E
So
some
of
the
projects
have
been
funded
under
capital,
budget
or
operating
budget,
and
those
will
have
to
be
scheduled
under
a
timeline.
So
some
of
those
projects
some
low
to
no
cost
maintenance
repairs
have
already
been
completed
or
are
in
the
stage
of
completion
or
in
progress,
whereas
the
larger
projects,
some
of
those
projects
are
scheduled
or
on
a
timeline
longer
term,
and
then
there
are
projects
that
were
not
funded
yet,
which
will
have
to
be
re-evaluated
but
larger
projects,
as
you
mentioned,
for
example,
a
curb
ramp.
E
F
E
Way,
I
see
this
as
a
toolkit
this.
This
is
our
first
transition
plan.
Yes,
it
is,
it
is
decades
late.
The
ada
was
implemented
30
years
ago,
so
philadelphia
came
in
a
little
later,
but
our
administration,
our
current
administration,
has
been
working
and
striving
towards
that
end
to
make
our
city
more
accessible,
it
is
late,
but
it
is
doable
and
and
we're
starting
one
step
at
at
a
time.
So
I
see
the
transition
plan
that
we
just
completed
as
our
guide
going
forward
and
it
does
contain
a
lot
of
work.
E
F
E
F
F
F
Well,
miss
ewing,
thank
you
very
much
for
your
work.
I
think
we
we've
asked
this
question
before,
but
I
think
we
are
far
below
okay.
There
are
large
cities
have
been,
and
you
know
part
of
it
is
that
this
is
a
gargantuan
job
and
we
certainly
appreciate
the
work
that
went
into
the
assessment
of
the
facilities.
That's
very
very
important,
and
I'm
glad
to
hear
that
we
have
the
assessment,
we're
hoping
that
we
can
continue
to
support
a
robust
ada
compliance
office
so
that
we
can
get
this
work
going.
B
I
also
want
to
ask
thank
you
yes,
in
reference
to
how
does
the
transition
plan
deal
with
situations
when
you
have
changes
of
uses
of
a
facility
and
what
may
have
been
a
traditional
use
may
have
been
shifted
because
of
an
emergency
situation,
I'm
thinking
primarily
right
now
regarding
the
community
center.
We
are
now
using
that
for
a
mass
vaccination
site
with
fema
actually
just
there
on
this
morning,
and
I
actually
have
a
tour
I
believe
next
week
and
so
one
to
get
some
perspective.
B
E
E
So
I
I
cannot
speak
to
how
that
is
being
addressed
currently,
but
the
basic
priorities
that
I
listed
earlier
through
one
through
four
should
still
be
the
same.
Regardless
of
use
accessible
approach,
you
know
access
to
services
and
goods
and
programs
which
the
convention
center
should
have,
but
I
can't
speak
to
that
100,
so
I
I
won't,
but
but,
as
I
said
in
a
general,
you
know,
generally
speaking
as
per
the
ada,
that
location
should
still
have
the
core
tenants
in
place
to
meet
compliance.
B
A
newer
building
like
the
convention
center
will
probably
have
less
of
a
problem
or
court
buildings
like
the
criminal
justice
center
or
the
family
courthouse,
but,
for
example,
city
hall
or
municipal
services,
building
or
those
who
are
going
to
you,
know
library,
services
or
voting,
though
we've
had
to
make
changes
due
to
the
pandemic
and
you
know
restrict
access
to
stop
the
spread
of
the
disease
and
need
more
space
to
do
certain
things
with
physical,
distancing
and
other
dynamics
and
physical
barriers.
And
so
that's
something
that
you
know.
B
None
of
us
could
have
contemplated
you
know,
march
or
february
of
last
year
or
earlier,
and
so
I
think,
going
forward
as
we're
doing
this
implementation
of
this
transition
plan.
We
have
to
be
flexible
in
the
sense
that,
as
we're
using
buildings
different
ways
that
we've
got
to
make
changes,
we
are
adaptive
for
that,
and
so
has
there
been
any
conversation
or
thoughts
in
reference
to
talking
with
any
of
our
emergency
management
systems
or
office.
Emerging
management
in
that
regard,
that
you
know,
building
that
are
set
up,
especially
our
more
seasoned
buildings.
E
For
ada,
I
am
not,
I
can't
really
speak
to
what
the
city
is
doing.
With
regards
to
adapting
to
these
changes,
as
you
mentioned,
I
can
only
speak
to
the
transition
plan
that
my
office
is
working
on,
but
you
raised
an
excellent
point
and
to
that-
and
you
know
absolutely
when
we
reassess
in
three
years-
this
is
definitely
going
to
play
a
large
part
in
that
reassessment.
E
You
know
looking
at
adaptability
within
these
structures
for
emergencies.
But
again,
as
I
said
earlier,
the
tenant
focus
of
the
ada
with
regards
to
priority
levels
should
still
be
should
still
be.
The
foundation
is
what
I'm
basically
trying
to
say
regardless
of
usage.
Even
if
you
know
certain
entrances
may
be
restricted
now,
accessibility
may
become
an
issue
in
some
of
these
adapting
adaptations.
E
You
know,
for
example,
a
building
may
decide
not
to
use
certain
entrances
and
use
other
entrances
that
may
not
be
accessible,
but
then
you're
absolutely
right.
That
needs
to
be
a
talk
with
the
table
with
the
right
people
to
say.
No.
We
cannot
do
that
because
it
will
not
provide
accessibility
to
all
so
you're
absolutely
right,
and
these
are
the
kinds
of
conversations
that
we
should
be
having.
B
F
E
These
are
all
the
buildings
that
agree
to
participate
in
the
self-evaluation
under
the
city,
so
these
include
leased
facilities
as
well.
Certain
courts
may
not
have
been
included,
they
may
have
opted
out,
and
then
there
are
certain
entities
that
are
basically
responsible
to
contain
their
own
or
conduct
rather
their
own
self-evaluation
and
transition
plan.
So
they
they
were
not
required
to
come
in
with
hours
and
they
they
they
can
do
their
own.
They
may
be
federally
funded
and
therefore
they
can
they
can
do
their
own
assessment.
F
F
F
F
F
E
E
As
far
as
the
police
that
as
well,
I
cannot
speak
to
what
their
plans
may
be
as
far
as
conducting
their
own
assessment,
but
these
the
537
facilities
and
sites
locations
that
were
included
in
the
transition
plan.
Those
were
included
before
my
coming
on
board,
so
you
know
I
can
only
speak
to
those,
so
unfortunately
I
I
don't
think
I
can
completely
answer
your
question
as
a
result
of
that.
B
F
C
Thank
you,
mr
nolan,
for
being
here
so
you
mentioned
about
the
66
facilities
that
have
priorly
won
out
of
the
537
buildings
that
were
assessed,
and
I
appreciate
the
departments
you
know
prioritizing.
You
know
facilities
about
equity
and
I
understand
that
they
also
took
a
look
at
take
a
look
at
locations
in
low-income
neighborhoods.
E
C
So
my
line
of
question
is
mainly
around
when
we
talk
about
the
physical
barriers
which
are,
you
know,
need
capital
improvement.
There
are
also
barriers
when
we
do
adaptations
and
no
one
in
the
building
knows
there.
So
that's
why
I
was
just
trying
to
understand
what
work
was
done.
You
know
with
equal
barriers
towards
ada
compliance,
and
is
that
something
within
your
wheelhouse
as
the
director
of
ada
compliance?
Do
you
also
handle
the
the
more
interpersonal
barriers
around
ada
compliance
and
city
buildings
like
how
people
use
the
building.
E
C
E
I'm
okay.
Thank
you
for
clarifying
council
member.
I
cannot
speak
to
how
the
community
may
have
been
engaged
during
that
process,
or
the
disabled
community
in
particular.
I
think,
is
what
you're
really
asking,
because
they
they
would
they.
They
are
the
ones
who
may
have
the
physical
barriers,
for
example,
into
buildings
and
how
it
is
perceived
to
them
what
their
take
on
it
is.
I
I
cannot
speak
to
that.
C
Basically,
that
what
I
heard
clearly
my
computer
was
going
off
and
on
okay,
I
heard
some
things
I
didn't
so
I'm
just
backing
up.
So
my
question
is:
do
we
plan
on
updating
15
facilities
a
year?
Is
that
what
I
heard
and
can
you
clarify
or
provide
insight
into
which
facilities
were
funded
to
be
done
in
fiscal
year?
22.
E
C
Okay,
because
I
just
really
wanted
to
make
sure
that
I
kind
of
want
to
reiterate
the
urgency
of
chairman's
green
around.
You
know
the
more
detailed
information
around
the
capital
budget,
because
a
huge
part
of
making
our
city
inclusive-
and
you
know,
in
order
for
us
to
help
fight
against
folks
with
disabilities.
C
We
have
to
make
sure
that
you
know
our
public
spaces.
You
know
are
as
accessible
as
possible.
You
know
that's
why
I
was
asking
like
the
more
practical
using
or
the
more
practical
barriers
that
we
would
not
understand
as
folks
that
don't
have
learn,
you
know
any
level
of
disability
visible
so
that
that
was
kind
of
my
line
of
questioning.
But
I
want
to
thank
you
for
providing
this.
Thank
you
and
I
probably
would
like
to
take
a
deeper
dive
with
you
at
a
later
date.
Absolutely.
E
B
Thank
you
great.
Thank
you
brooks
if
there's
no
other
questions
for
miss
ewing,
like
move
to
the
next
panel,
but
we
may
need
to
return
that
you've
been
doing
there's
any
additional
file
questions
from
members
of
council
based
on
other
witnesses
and
other
questions
that
may
arise
with
that.
Mr
inuzi,
if
you
can
call
the
next
witnesses
for
panel
number
two.
G
There
are
literally
no
guidelines
as
part
of
ada
for
this
population,
which
of
course
made
it
challenging
to
have
an
ada
transitional
plan
that
would
include
them
in
an
evidence-based
best
practice
manner.
So,
in
other
words,
of
course,
we
know
that
this
group
should
be
included,
and
I
am
in
fact
working
with
carousel
connections
and
with
parks
and
rec
on
many
of
the
processes
that
we're
putting
in
to
parks
and
rec.
G
I
want
to
just
add
also
that
you
know
part
of
our
model
includes
asking
shareholders
and
stakeholders
what
matters
to
them.
We
do
that
at
the
very
outset
of
our
projects.
We
also
educate
and
prepare
those
with
autism
and
intellectual
disability,
for
example,
for
experiences
as
we
create
accommodations
and
education
for
those
in
the
community.
G
One
other
thing
that
I'd
like
to
add
and
we'd
love
to
share
in
partnership
with
this
vision
and
mission
with
you,
because
we
feel
strongly
in
that
philadelphia
is
a
birthplace
of
independence
as
well
as
has
a
reputation
for
you,
know,
brotherly
love
and
sisterly
affection,
and
we
would
very
much
like
these
guidelines
to
be
born
in
this
center.
So
the
other
thing
that
I'd
like
to
add-
and
this
just
came
out
literally
within
the
past
hour-
is
that
we
just
completed
a
study.
I
just
want
to
highlight
how
important
this
is.
G
G
Idd
intellectual
disability
is
the
highest
independent
risk
factor
in
this
country
for
contracting
covid
and
furthermore,
it
is
only
below
age
in
terms
of
dying
from
covid,
so
think
about
that.
And,
lastly,
if
you
have
an
intellectual
disability
and
are
hospitalized
with
covid,
you
are
almost
four
times
as
likely
to
die
as
another
individual.
G
G
We
are
creating
a
toolkit
which
involves
preparatory
materials
for
them,
educating
our
vaccinators
and
providing
accommodations
and
increased
levels
of
access
to
this
population
at
our
vaccination
sites.
So,
while
I'm
here
today
to
tell
you
something
really
sobering
and
and
scary
about
the
conscious
or
unconscious
bias
of
populations
that
are
cognitively
different,
I'm
also
here
to
tell
you
that
we
have
some
solutions
that
we'd
like
to
offer.
You
know
to
our
city
and
to
our
communities
to
to
help
promote
their
well-being.
G
D
D
G
If
we
are
unable
to
share
the
video
with
you
today-
or
perhaps
we
can
try
again
after
quest
questions,
because
we
know
everyone's
time
is
so
valuable,
but
we
do
we
are.
We
will
be
working
on
a
model
for
inclusion
both
across
our
community,
as
well
as
our
health
care
center
in
terms
of
transition
to
adulthood.
I
just
want
to
say
a
couple
more
things
is
that
most
individuals
with
intellectual
disability
and
autism
do
not
get
medical
care
once
they
graduate
from
pediatrics
and
when
they
do
get
medical
care.
G
For
example,
in
the
case
of
autism,
they
are
almost
twice
as
likely
to
die
inpatient
as
other
populations.
You
know
for
any
medical
reason,
so
these
are
issues
that
need
to
be
addressed
both
in
our
health
care
centers,
but
also
for
those
of
you
who
are
familiar
with
my
work,
either
from
jefferson
or
prior
to
jefferson.
G
B
While
miss
townsend
is
trying
to
bring
up
the
the
video,
I
want
to
ask
you,
dr
ross,
a
couple
questions.
I
know
you
and
my
office
have
talked
about
opportunities
for
making
city
hall
more
accessible
for
those
that
learning
differences
and
that
kind
of
ties
right
into
the
second
priority
of
the
the
city's
ada
transition
plan
in
reference
to
access
to
goods
and
services.
B
You
talked
about
your
work
with
you
know
the
flyers,
and
so
the
sports
teams
are
making
their
locations
and
giving
those
that
have
a
learning
and
physical
difference
access
to
some
of
those
entertainment
perspectives
by
considering
that
goods
and
access
to
goods
and
services
is
one
of
the
priorities
for
the
transition
plan
and
for
city
hall.
For
many
people,
this
building
has
a
number
of
services
that
people
need
to
access
from
various
age
categories.
G
Yes,
we're
really
excited
to
partner
with
you
and
city
hall,
and
what
we
have
created
is
a
visual
story
book
to
prepare
those
with
learning
differences
to
come
to
city
hall.
We
we
just
need
to
add
that
was
actually
created
pre-covered,
so
we
need
to
add
some
masking
to
some.
You
know
and
have
a
story
related
to
that.
G
You
know
when
I
first
started
to
do
this.
I
was
working
with
the
phillies
and
I
met
with
their
operating
officer
at
citizens
bank
park
and
he
said
well,
I'm
going
to
have
you
meet
with
our
managers,
and
I
said
with
all
due
respect,
sir.
By
the
time
a
manager
is
called,
there's
already
been
a
problem
and
we
are
more
than
willing
to
train
everyone
here,
to
prevent
problems
and
to
improve
accessibility
so
that
we
are
not
reacting
to
an
issue.
G
Furthermore,
at
jefferson
we
are
training
everyone
who
works
at
our
institution,
the
doctors,
the
outward
facing
staff
people
who
check
you
in
people
who
clean
your
room,
people
who
bring
you
food
as
security,
and
we
are
training,
inward-facing
staff,
those
who
do
billing
and
other.
Oh
here
we
are
with
the
video
so.
A
A
I
I
G
B
We
also
look
forward
to
those
additional
opportunities,
because
what
you
are
presenting
is
in
keeping
with
what
we
heard
from
miss
ewing
continuing
to
expand
the
work
to
make.
You
know
the
city
of
philadelphia
and
starting
here
in
city
hall,
more
ada
compliant
for
both
those
with
physical
differences,
but
also
learning
difference
as
well.
B
D
D
D
Dr
ross
mentioned
training,
the
sports
teams,
the
phillies,
the
flyers
etc.
But
we
also
need
to
look
at
comprehensive
understanding,
not
only
of
parks
and
rec
staff,
but
also
the
libraries,
the
museums.
Essentially,
any
public-facing
organization
has
to
have
an
understanding
when
people
have
differences,
be
it
the
the
space,
the
the
lighting,
their
reaction
to
what's
going
on.
So
I
did
just
want
to
mention
those
things
from
a
family
and
a
parent
perspective
and.
B
How
will
their
child,
who
you
know,
trying
to
make
children
that
have
a
learning,
a
physical
difference,
be
a
self-advocate
and
the
concern
is:
will
they
be
able
to
navigate
the
city
if
the
parent
is
not
there
or
guardian's,
not
there?
And
that's
why
you
know
these
four
points
of
prioritization
is
so
important,
because
not
only
for
a
parent
with
a
child
and
you're
trying
to
see
are
there
accommodations
are
the
goods
and
services
gonna
be
available?
B
How
are
we
gonna
enter
different
locations,
but
also,
how
will
my
child
enter
these
locations
or
access?
These
goods
and
services,
or
use
public,
accommodations
or
other
amenities
when
they
become
older,
and
I
may
or
may
not
be
there
with
them.
So
thank
you
for
providing
that
perspective
as
part
of
this
panel
with
that
I'd
like
to
move
into
what
is
our
final
panel
and
we
are
joined
by
tom,
thomas
earl,
from
liberty,
resources,
joe
mancini,
and
eric
williams
from
project
elijah,
empowering
autism
in
that
order.
B
B
B
B
I
I
B
I
A
challenge
for
sure
hi
everyone,
my
name,
is
joe
mancini.
I
am
the
executive
director
for
kencrest
ken
crest,
provides
community-based
supports
to
people
with
developmental
or
intellectual
disabilities
and
their
families
throughout
the
age
continuum
from
newborns
to
seniors
adults
throughout
southeastern
pennsylvania,
the
city
of
philadelphia
and
all
of
its
historic
beauty
is
not
disability
friendly.
Many
of
the
buildings
and
historic
sites
that
tourists
fly
from
all
over
the
world
to
visit
are
inaccessible
to
people
with
physical,
intellectual
and
developmental
disabilities.
I
When
we
think
about
these
barriers,
we
always
picture
the
physical
barriers.
These
visible
physical
barriers,
such
as,
but
not
limited,
to
include
lack
of
wheelchair,
accessible
entrances
need
for
automatic
doors,
missing
elevators,
where
signage
does
not,
that
does
not
account
for
those
with
visual
impairments
can
be
seen
throughout
this
city.
I
I
The
fact
is
that
the
community
in
general
has
had
limited
opportunity
to
interact
with
people
with
disabilities.
The
stigma
associated
with
the
disability
leads
to
business
owners,
creating
or
maintaining
these
physical
barriers
in
order
to
encourage
a
customer
base.
They're
more
comfortable
with
most
biases
are
based
out
of
fear
fear
of
the
unknown.
Here's
something
different.
We
can
help
to
eliminate
these
fears
and
create
a
bridge
between
individuals
with
and
without
disabilities.
Through
education,
the
model
is
effective.
I
For
example,
I
worked
with
a
small
group
to
train
employees
in
the
fashion
district
in
philadelphia
on
customer
service
when,
when
working
with
people
with
disabilities,
along
with
general
disability
education,
this
introduced
the
staff
to
people
we
support
and
allow
them
the
confidence
to
interact
with
this
population.
Disability
sensitivity
trainings,
like
these
would
aim
in
eliminating
the
invisible
barriers
and
encouraging
people
to
assist
with
removing
the
physical
barriers
as
well.
J
Good
morning,
good
morning,
council
member
good
morning,
council
member
green,
the
committee
interviewing
audience,
my
name
is
eric
williams.
I'm
calling
to
testify
in
support
of
resolution
number
210128.
I
am
the
founder
of
project
elijah.
Empowering
autism,
also
known
as
pia
is
an
autism
foundation.
I
created
16
years
ago
and
based
out
of
west
philly,
provides
free
year-round
programs
to
families
who
are
faced
with
autism
and
intellectual
disabilities
on
a
daily
basis
and
underserved
communities,
underserved,
meaning
not
offered
in
and
not
from
ethnicity,
geographical
regions
or
financial
income.
J
Pia
always
offers
inclusion
and
diversity
experiences
and
a
judgment-free,
safe
and
nurturing
environment.
My
reason
for
creating
pia
is
from
my
son,
elijah
who's
now
22,
who,
at
the
age
of
three
was
diagnosed
with
autism.
Elijah
is
a
product
of
the
philadelphia
public
school
system.
He
graduated
from
high
school
of
the
future
and
drexel
university's
project
search.
So,
although
elijah
and
psumpt
families
continue
to
make
progress,
there
are
still
some
challenges
that
we
face.
J
Pia
did
an
informal
two-year
study
focusing
on
amenities
and
resources
while
being
away
from
your
comfortable
home
environment
and
some
of
those
concerns
that
were
addressed
to
pia,
as
the
organization
came
back
through
amenities,
such
as
sensory
zones,
sharing
handicapped
seating,
assisting
living
in
visual
on-screen
technology,
while
commuting
on
public
transportation,
businesses
and
public
spaces
on
the
in
essence
of
time.
These
are
just
a
few
of
the
resources
that
we
could
have
in
place
that
a
system
during
the
88
transition
phase
or
plane.
J
So
my
feeling
is
that
it's
better
to
be
proactive,
rather
than
desperately
react
into
an
unfortunate
occurrence.
So
this
is
the
perfect
time
to
stay
ahead
of
the
curve
and
make
a
difference,
so
p
will
be
honored
to
participate
and
in
such
a
committee
and
like
sabra,
townsend,
a
great
friend
of
mine,
she's,
a
parent,
so
we're
also
led
from
a
parent
perspective
and
then
all
of
our
families.
They
participate
in
any
kind
of
surveys
and
data
to
improve
the
quality
of
lives
of
individuals
with
intellectual
disabilities.
J
Council,
member
green,
you
and
I
said
in
your
office
a
few
years
ago.
We
talked
about
an
unfortunate
occurrence
that
happened.
While
I
took
65
families
to
to
visit
the
smithsonian
museum
and
I'm
u.s
capital.
We
talked
about
diffusing
real-time
situations
to
prevent
anything
and
keep
the
safety
of
our
loved
ones
out
of
harm's
way.
So
with
that
I'll,
just
like
to
leave
with
this
one
quote
by
dr
cornel
west-
and
it
reads:
you
can't
leave
the
people.
J
B
B
And
I
think
that
is
a
real
challenge
and
we
can
make
the
capital
investments
and
we
spend
a
lot
of
time
in
the
beginning
of
the
hearing.
Talking
about
the
capital
investments.
And
I
think
there
was
some
great
ideas
and
suggestions
from
members
of
this
committee
to
give
us,
as
members
of
council,
more
information
about
the
investments
that
are
being
made
for
the
capital
budget
and
capital
program
that
are
tied
to
the
ada
transition
plan.
So
we
can
see
that
information
as
we're
going
through
the
budget
process.
B
J
So
while
elijah
was
looking
at
the
on-screen
visuals,
there
was
a
couple
autistic,
especially
intellectual
disability,
families
on
they
didn't
know
what
to
do
on
the
bus.
And
although
that
wasn't
the
bus
driver's
responsibility.
So
just
trying
to
be
quick,
acting
and
proactive,
I
told
them
that
I
pulled
down
the
handicap
seats.
J
While
the
bus
was
crowded,
you
can
at
least
sit
there
and
let
your
you
know
your
guardian
oversee
you
for
that
duration,
but
the
their
only
option
was
just
to
get
off
the
bus
or
visiting
you
know
the
museum,
take
them
outside
or
go
in
the
bathroom
and
try
to
get
them
off
the
you
know
the
main
floor
because
they
want
they
want
to
cause
panic
to
the
other
patrons.
However,
that's
joint
that's
doing
a
disservice
by
us,
not
being
proactive
about
it
and
like
when
we
visit
the
capitol.
J
You
know
the
capitol
police
didn't
know
what
to
do
so.
They
just
took
us
into
a
theater,
as
I
mentioned
to
you,
but
that
was
all
left
up
to
me
to
get
60-plus
people
under
under
my
own
control,
and
that
was
just
from
the
trust
of
me
bringing
the
group
there,
but
no
one
actually
knew
they
had
any
kind
of
plan
in
place
like
they
would
if
evacuation
plan
was
needed.
I
B
I
You
know
we
we
do,
we
hear
it
from
families.
I've
seen
it
myself,
one
of
the
individuals
I
that
used
to
work
from
work
with
me
at
the
arc
of
philadelphia
or
I
advocate,
uses
a
wheelchair
for
mobility
and
places
like
the
modern
museum
of
art.
He
was
having
challenges
navigating
and
ended
up
in
a
lawsuit,
as
you
know,
these
these
well-known
established
entities
that
aren't
wheelchair,
accessible
and
fighting
against
those
things
and
making
sure
it's
happening.
I
What
I
see
often,
what
I
hear
from
families,
often
is
whether
it's
those
visible
or
invisible
barriers.
I
spoke
about
earlier
that
they
don't
feel
comfortable
accessing
the
community.
It's
safer
to
stay
home,
it's
less
of
a
challenge,
there's
less
eyes
and
comments
and
whispers
or
people
that
even
attempt
to
intervene.
When
you
see
an
individual
and
I'll
go
to
intellectual
disabilities
having
a
behavior
in
the
community
or
even
stemming,
if
you're,
relating
it
to
an
individual
diagnosed
with
autism,
those
look
like
aggressive,
behaviors
or
in
some
cases
are
aggressive.
I
Behaviors
that
can
be
managed
and
good
samaritans
quote
unquote
or
individuals
in
the
business
will
either
ask
you
to
leave
or
attempt
to
intervene.
Escalating.
The
situation
where
the
families
that
we
support
are
would
rather
stay
home
and
they're,
not
getting
that
everyday,
authentic
community
experience,
because
either
they
can't
physically
access
or
once
they
do,
people
inside
aren't
trained
or
comfortable
working
with
an
individual
or
individuals
with
disabilities.
B
We
have
some
earlier
conversation
regarding
access
to
vaccines.
I
think
that
continues
to
even
further
isolate
those
that
have
a
physical
or
learning
difference
and
we've
been
in
a
pandemic
for
now
over
a
year
and
that
isolation
just
continues
to
grow
and
that's
something
that
we
need
to
address
and
that's
why
having
this
conversation
regarding
the
city's
ada
transition
plan
is
so
important,
I'm
going
to
have
tom,
earl
and
liam
dougherty
to
testify
next,
if
you
could
both
state
your
name
for
the
record
and
then
after
their
testimony.
B
H
H
It's
evident
that
the
transition
plan
does
not
cover
the
employment
requirements
of
the
ada
and
the
it's
said
that,
because
the
city's
hr
practices
are
covered
by
title,
one
of
the
ada,
that
is
not
entirely
correct.
The
city
is
still
as
a
public
entity
required
under
title
ii
of
the
ada
to
comply
with
the
non-discrimination.
H
H
H
This
should
be
going
forward.
This
should
be
part
of
the
city's
hiring
practices
and
affirmative
action
to
employ
people
from
protected
classes
and
not
just
race,
religion,
national
origin,
but
also
disability,
and
this
will
help
improve
the
diversity
of
our
city.
When
it
comes
to
city,
government,
employment,.
H
H
H
H
H
H
Moving
on
to
effective
communication,
it
is
important
that
the
ada
compliance
office
and
the
mayor's
office
for
people
with
disabilities
improve
the
process
where
american
sign
language
interpreters
are
provided
at
public
meetings,
city
council
committee
meetings,
hearings
and
city
council
general
sessions.
On
thursday
there
have
been
a
number
of
times
that
deaf
staff
from
liberty,
resources
and
other
organizations
in
the
city
have
been
excluded
towards
the
end
of
a
scheduled
meeting,
because
the
meeting
runs
longer
than
people
thought
it
would.
H
H
H
H
H
H
And
my
final
comment
is
also
sort
of
included
in
the
effective
communication
context
of
the
ada
and
the
city's
transition
plan,
and
that
is
for
the
cities,
the
philadelphia
police
department
to
adhere
to
in
every
possible
circumstance
to
the
christ.
The
use
of
a
crisis
intervention
team
when
a
9-1-1
call
comes
in
involving
a
person
with
a
disability,
including
people
with
intellectual
disabilities.
H
H
H
H
K
K
K
The
plan
must
be
thought
of
as
facing
a
wrongdoing,
of
correcting
an
injustice
and
came
from
the
original
inaccessible,
build
city
structures
and
systems.
Snapdragon
private
businesses
must
be
compliant
with
for
for
regrowth,
not
just
to
build
back
better
under
the
pandemic,
but,
more
importantly,
to
include
the
disability
community
in
the
reopening
of
varsity
and.
J
K
K
B
C
C
It
should
be
part
of
the
original
discussion,
so
I
want
to
thank
you,
chairman
crane,
for
just
making
sure
we
had
a
diverse
panel,
and
I
want
to
thank
them
for
sharing
their
stories
and
continuing
in
this
fight.
This
has
been
a
long
fight
around
apa
compliance
in
general
and
we've
come
a
long
way
and
we've
expanded
the
scope
of
who
who's
qualified
within
that.
So
thank
you.
Thank
you
for
this
hearing
and
you
know,
let's
continue
this
fight.
B
Thank
you,
councilmember
brooks
for
your
comments
and
your
particip
and
your
participation.
Today's
hearing,
as
well
as
all
members
of
council
and
I
agree
with
you.
This
is
a
fight
that
we
need
to
continue.
We've
made
some
progress,
but
we
have
a
lot
more
progress
to
go.
I
I'm
thankful
for
all
the
witnesses
that
testified
on
this
morning
that
they
gave
a
an
embarrassed
perspective
on
this
issue
and
some
of
the
work
that
we've
done
and
some
of
the
work
that
we
need
to
continue
to
address.
B
B
Okay,
seeing
and
hearing
none,
I
want
to
thank
all
the
panels
and
witnesses
once
again
for
their
participation.
Today
we
definitely
value
your
opinions
and
we
look
forward
to
continuing
this
conversation
as
the
city
moves
forward
with
its
ada
transition
plan,
definitely
feel
free
to
provide
comment
and
continue
to
provide
suggestions
to
miss
ewing
and
the
administration,
as
they
continue
to
move
forward
with
the
implementation
of
this
transition
plan.
This
concludes
the
public
hearing
of
this
committee.
This
concludes
this
public
hearing
of
this
committee.