HomeMy WebLinkAboutCACD Minutes 04.10.24
CARMEL, INDIANA 46032
Carmel Advisory Committee on Disability
Wednesday, April 10, 2023 – 9:30 a.m.
Carmel Clay Public Library, Meeting Room C. 425 E Main St.
Present
CACD Members: Natalie O’Hara, Kelvin Solares, Shannon Penaflor, Nikita Ford,
Jim Probst, Melissa Keyes, Kevin Whited, Jenny Stites, Mindy Cameron,
Others: Shannon Minnaar
Introductions
Those present briefly introduced themselves.
Minutes of Previous meeting
Minutes for November 3rd meeting were approved.
Mayor Finkam questions for the group
Discussion regarding changing/rebranding the committee name and the group determined
that the CACD would continue to keep the same name. The group then discussed the goals
and mission of the group and agreed on the following goals:
Including a budget for the CACD in the 2025 budget
Transportation survey to determine how to provide better access to employment and social
activities for people with disabilities.
Support initiatives/organizations that help people with disabilities.
CACD Special Committees
Need to reestablish the subcommittees and place committee members in each group.
1. Employment
1. Mindy Cameron
2. Melissa Keyes
3. Jenny Stites
2. Social Connections
1. Shannan Penaflor
2. Kelvin Solares
3. Nikita Ford
3. Accessibility/Transportation
1. Jim Probst
2. Kevin Whited
3. Natalie O’Hare
4. David Littlejohn
CARMEL, INDIANA 46032
Subcommittees were set up to work on special projects in between quarterly meetings and
report to the full committee.
March – Disabilities Awareness Month plans review
Had sensory skate at end of February.
March Disability Awareness Month kick off event on March 2nd went well. People of all ages
attended. The video and art show went well. Movie had no sound and included closed
captioning. Better timeframe for next year might be from 11:00 to 1:00. 40 paper surveys
were submitted during the event. The virtual art exhibit looked really good and there were
18 submissions.
Other events that happened during the month were:
OneZone’s luncheon.
Hamilton County Tourism AccessAbility event.
WorkOne Hamilton County had a job fair that Carmel attended.
It was recommended to put together a recommended timeline or calendar to help plan
future March events and market the event and group more. Maybe use the event(s) as an
education opportunity for the general public by handing out informative papers or have
table toppers to let people know the event is happening and educate them about sensory
events. Try to bring in the surrounding businesses as sponsors for future events. Utilizing
and partnering with the library more was discussed. Our group should help promote other
organizations’ efforts and work to collaborate with neighboring Advisory Committees on
Disabilities.
October – Disability Employment Awareness Month plans
October is our next big push and we’re planning to work with OneZone on an employment
event. Hamilton County Schools are working together to host transition fairs and Carmel
will be hosting next March’s event. We could host a panel discussion in October to help
employers and employees about hiring people with disabilities. Shannan worked with
sponsors to purchase custom sensory bags to distribute at all events. Ideally the City policy
will require sensory bags to be available at all City events.
Future events/promotions
We are working to continue to provide ADA parking at the south west corner of Range Line
and Main St. We may need volunteers to help watch the cars parking. This year we are
planning to advertise it better and provide better directional signage during the event.
Next meeting July 9th, 2024
Adjournment