Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) Meetings

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85371660618
Password: FADSBNOV8!

Telephone: 1-888-270-9936 
Conference Code: 627304

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

7-7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of September and October Minutes

7:05-7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15-8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Joe Jamison, VisitAble – Presentation
• Martha Glennan Awards Nominees – Vote
• Action Items for FY 2022
• Updates

9 p.m. Adjourn

Meeting Notice and Agenda*
2021-09-13 Meeting Minutes Draft*
2021-10-11 Meeting Minutes Draft*
November Board Priorities*
October Retreat StrengthsFinder Team Building*

For meeting materials, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88098208385
Password: FADSB1011!

Live Audio: 1-888-270-9936 
Conference Code: 627304

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

6:30–7:30 p.m. Call to Order – Icebreakers/Strength Finder

7:30–9 p.m. Brainstorm/Identify Future Initiatives

9 p.m. Adjourn

Meeting Notice and Agenda*
September Member Survey Responses*
October Retreat StrengthsFinder Team Building*

For meeting materials, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Sept. 13, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87987552302
Password: FADSB0913!

Live Audio: 1-888-270-9936 
Code: 627304

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of May Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Executive Committee Nominations- Vote
• FA-DSB Bylaws & Remote Participation Policy
• FA-DSB Retreat
• Updates 

9 p.m. Adjourn

Meeting Notice and Agenda*
2021-06-14 Meeting Minutes Draft*
Remote Participation Policy (Amended 2021-07-01)*

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, June 14, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of May Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• FY 2022 FADSB Meeting Dates (10 minutes)
• Legislative Committee Nomination (10 minutes)
• Closed Session-Pursuant to Virginia Code Session 2.2-3711(A)(1)
• Additional Business (10 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

2021-05-10 Board Meeting Minutes Draft*
Draft 2022 GA Human Services Issue Paper*
Instructions for Updating the Human Services Issue Paper*
Sample and Form for New Position Statements*
DSB Meeting Schedule*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426, TTY 711.

Meeting Minutes

Monday, June 14, 2021

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Melandee Canaday-Jones, At-Large
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Brandis Ruise, Hunter Mill District
• Diane Monning, Providence District
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District 
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: 

• Andrew Magill, At-Large (excused)
• Vacant- Vice-Chair
• Vacant- City of Falls Church
• Vacant- Lee District
• Vacant- Mason District

Others Present: Claudia Vila (DFS staff), Karen Kelly (DFS staff), Trina Mayhan-Webb (Adult & Aging Division Director, DFS), Rose Asuquo (Library Access Services)

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present.

Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home. 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. The meeting was recorded via the AT&T line.

2. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3. Approval of Previous (May 2021) minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

4. Public Comment: There was no public comment.

5. Meeting Items: 

Deborah Hammer made a motion, at 7:05 p.m., to go into closed session per Virginia Code Section 2.23712. The motion was seconded and the board went into closed session. Staff turned off the AT&T line and closed the meeting from the public.
The board resumed open session at 8 p.m. and the AT&T line was reopened.

1.    Motion:  
Deborah Hammer made a motion, per Virginia Code Section 2.23712, that to the best of each member’s knowledge, only matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed during closed session, and that she moved the meeting now be open to the public. The motion was seconded and passed. The AT&T line was turned back on.

2.    Motion:
Deborah motioned that pursuant to FADSB Bylaws, Article VII, D, which states that any officer or board member may be removed at any time by majority vote of the FADSB, that the board move to remove Doris Ray as an At-Large-member of the FADSB and ask that the Chairman’s office appoint a replacement. The motion was seconded and passed. 

3.    FY 2022 FADSB Meeting Schedule
Discussion was had regarding the FY 2022 meeting schedule and priorities. Tom Bash discussed existing standing committees and committee structure.  He recommended a more issue-based approach versus a committee system. He proposed doing away with existing standing committees. Judy Turcott stated that we needed closure on mission statement and by-laws. Mary Pauline recommended a “retreat” where these issues could be fleshed out. Further discussion centered around a retreat planned for October 2021 to encompass team building and next steps/areas of focus for the FADSB.  

Deborah brought up a future hybrid board meeting set-up where members can attend virtually in the future, should they need to. Deborah asked Claudia to work with the County Attorney’s Office to  craft language to include this change in the FADSB bylaws.

Deborah motioned to approve the FY 2022 Meeting schedule. It was seconded and passed.
Deborah motioned to add an October 2021 retreat to the schedule. It was seconded and passed.  

Legislative Committee: Brandis Ruise and Judith Turcott volunteered to be part of the Legislative Committee. Claudia will forward information and timelines to these members.  

Rails and Bikeways: Debbie Cohen stated that there was no new information from this committee at this time.  
8:35 p.m. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, May 10, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of March Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Welcome New Board Member- Brandis Ruise (2 minutes)
• Review of Meeting Expectations (5 minutes)
• Groundwater Approach: Building a Practical Understanding of Structural Racism (15 minutes)
• Continuation of Virtual Board Meetings- Guidance (10 minutes)
• FY 2022 Nominations- Nominations Committee (15 minutes)
• DSB Bylaws – Vote (20 minutes)
• DSB Mission Statement- Vote (20 minutes)
• CCFAC and AHAC Vacancies (5 minutes)
• Committee and Liaison Reports (10 minutes)
• Additional Business (5 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws 2021 April Draft*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

-Draft-

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Vision, Mission, and Values

FADSB VISION
Everyone in our community should be able to live a healthy, inclusive, fulfilling life. 

FADSB MISSION
The mission of the Fairfax Area- Disability Service Board is to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers who are reside in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The FADSB members also serve as liaisons between the community and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

FADSB CORE VALUES
In achieving our mission and vision, we value - Respect. Dignity. Action. Equity. Inclusivity. Engagement. Transparency. 

Thru – 

Respect for the people we serve.
Individual dignity and human rights protection are at the center of the FADSB philosophy.
Quality and comprehensiveness in the advocacy we provide.
Using community engagement and problem solving to make sure services meet the needs of an individual; and remove attitudinal and physical barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life.
Partnering with people with disabilities.
We collaborate with community boards and organizations to advocate for the unique needs of people with disabilities. We recognize individuals and local organizations for their achievements in advocating for and supporting the needs of the community.
Accountability in all that we do.
We recognize our responsibility to the Fairfax-Falls Church-Fairfax City community by striving to effectively advise community leaders and provide transparency to the community. 

Doris’ Comments on and Proposed Revisions to Draft Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Vision, Mission, and Values

FADSB VISION
Everyone in our community should be able to live a healthy, inclusive, fulfilling life. 

PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is a welcoming community where all residents and visitors can live, work, recreate, and fully participate in all aspects of society, and are afforded equal access to all public and private programs, services, facilities, activities, and resources the community offers without fear of unnecessary isolation or segregation.
Note:  I propose this change to align with what a local government has the mission and power to do.  What I mean is that the county cannot promise it’s citizens or visitors that they will be healthy or fulfilled in life, but they CAN ensure that the community is accessible and provides a fair and equal opportunity to utilize the benefits of community resources.

FADSB MISSION
The mission of the Fairfax Area- Disability Service Board is to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers who are reside in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The FADSB members also serve as liaisons between the community and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

ALTERNATIVE MISSION STATEMENT

As a citizen advisory body comprised of individuals with disabilities and advocates, the Mission of the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board is to identify and assess the needs, issues and concerns of the disability community in the Fairfax Area; review and explore county and private resources that can help to address unmet needs; develop and recommend to elected officials potential legislative and policy initiatives that could improve the lives of county residents with disabilities and ensure their full participation in community life; and educate county officials, the public and other stakeholders about the knowledge, sills abilities, and talents that citizens with disabilities can contribute to the community-at-large, including having members serve as liaisons to other county boards, authorities and commissions and informing the disability community of opportunities to do the same, and thereby increase their capacity to assume current and future leadership roles in our community.

Note: I actually like lots of things about the mission statement I saw in the Member Handbook 2020 and this is kind of a rendition of that or trying to intertwine ideas from the current draft with the older one. Usually, mission statements are backed up with goals. Values are usually linked to vision, I seem to recall. By the way, I really like the setup/wording of the letter that is the forward to the Handbook written by Leeann, especially the “We are” section. 

FADSB CORE VALUES
In achieving our mission and vision, we value - Respect. Dignity. Action. Equity. Inclusivity. Engagement. Transparency. 

Thru - 

Respect for the people we serve.
Individual dignity and human rights protection are at the center of the FADSB philosophy. 

Quality and comprehensiveness in the advocacy we provide.
Using community engagement and problem solving to make sure services meet the needs of an individual; and remove attitudinal and physical barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life. 

Partnering with people with disabilities.
We collaborate with community boards and organizations to advocate for the unique needs of people with disabilities.
We recognize individuals and local organizations for their achievements in advocating for and supporting the needs of the community

Accountability in all that we do.
We recognize our responsibility to the Fairfax-Falls Church-Fairfax City community by striving to effectively advise community leaders and provide transparency to the community. 

COMMENT:  Be a catalyst of, and advocate for, needed policy and systems change, e.g., work to get a county affirmative Action Program. Not sure if that is here or in the mission. I would hope we would value the philosophy of consumer-control (people with disabilities having a majority in bodies that make decisions about the issues and policies that affect them and consumer direction which is the concept; that people with disabilities have the right to make their own life choices and to either succeed or fail and thereby develop resilience in future circumstances.

Lastly, the right to equal treatment and equal access by citizens with disabilities is the underpinning of all we do. 

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services, and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Minutes 

Monday, May 10, 2021
  
FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Melandee Canaday-Jones, At-Large
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Brandis Ruise, Hunter Mill District
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District 
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: 

• Vacant, City of Falls Church
• Vacant, Mason District    
• Vacant, Providence District

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila (DFS staff), Karen Kelly (DFS staff), Michael Becketts (DFS Director), Courtney Arroyo (OEM), Rose Asuquo (Library Access Services), ASL interpreter(s).

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID -19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 
 
Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform and/or Zoom (ATT) phone access.  

All board members stated calling from their home district with the exception of Melandee Jones, who called in from Wilmington, North Carolina.
 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1.  Call to Order. 7 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. The meeting was visually recorded due to initial difficulties with the AT&T line. The meeting was also recorded via the AT&T line.

2.   Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3.   Approval of Previous (March 2021) Minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded. Chester asked that all board vacancies be listed in the minutes moving forward under the absences section.  

4.  Public Comment: There was no public comment.  

5.  Meeting Items:

• Welcome New Board Member, Brandis Ruise: Brandis introduced herself and stated that she was excited that she was on the board.
   
• Review of Meeting Expectations: Deborah reviewed the expectations enumerated in the Meeting Expectations Document.  
   
• Groundwater Approach: Building a Practical Understanding of Structural Racism – Michael Becketts, DFS Director: Director Becketts stated that he wanted to be present at the DSB meeting to make himself available to address any questions members may have after attending training. He stated that two frequently asked questions post-training are: (1) Presenters were just giving information – what am I to do the information? Director Becketts stated that the purpose of the training is to get the conversation going and address where people are starting the journey. The second question he often gets is: (2) Why do we lead with race? He stated that while we lead with race, we do not exclude other areas of marginalization. The training provides an opportunity for people to discover the intersection between race and all other areas of a person. He posed the question of how DSB might use the information presented within the board. 
  
  Tom Bash shared his thoughts about One Fairfax and feels that people with disabilities should be represented more prominently. He requests a Groundwater 2 that might highlight people with disabilities. Director Becketts stated he would commit to looking at how he might bring experts to speak to the area of disabilities. Doris Ray, who attended the Groundwater presentation, was appreciative of the program and the accommodations she received. She would like some additional information about how Boards and Commissions might advise the county. Doris joined Tom in his suggestion to further support the disability community. Doris stated she has some connections to people who may be able to help consult with this initiative. Brandis had wanted to see if the board initiatives might connect with data to support connections with initiatives. Director Becketts stated that we might start asking some more questions about what we know and what we need to know. Doris stated that this might require further future discussion.
  
  Doris brought up an issue she had recently experienced while trying to complete the One Fairfax Policy Acknowledgement Form. She stated that she was not able to access the document and that it seems to be inaccessible. She filed a concern regarding this issue. Director Becketts stated that he would look at this issue and refer it back to the Equity Office. He stated that he would continue to work with Claudia on the issues discussed.
   
• Continuation of Virtual Board Meetings – Guidance: Claudia stated that the board of supervisors will be transitioning back to in-person meetings and that this might be something the DSB could think about in the future.  She stated that for now, the recommendation is that the DSB continue to meet virtually. A discussion about pros and cons about meeting in person vs. virtually was discussed. Claudia stated that Fairfax County might be sending out guidance on virtual meetings in the future, but that she has no direct knowledge of if or when that might come out. It was agreed that a hybrid model might be the strongest option for the DSB in the future. Deborah brought up the issue of ensuring a quorum in a hybrid model, as well as whether members’ votes who are calling in would count. 
   
• FY 2022 Nominations Committee: Mary Pauline has not received any nominations for people who are interested in the Chair or Vice Chair positions at this time. Judith has agreed to continue as secretary.  Chester volunteered to stay on as vice-chair until someone stepped into the chair and vice chair positions. The discussion evolved into whether co-chairs might be an option, but no conclusion was reached.
  
  Doris asked if the board meets in July and August. She was told the DSB does not meet during those months. She then motioned to set aside the bylaws and reschedule/postpone the release of the slate until June and vote on the slate in September. The motion was seconded and passed.
   
• DSB Bylaws: Chester presented the bylaws and stated that they are now ready to be sent to the County Attorney’s Office. He asked that a motion be passed. He explained that the bylaws would then be sent back to the DSB for final approval after legal review.  Chester explained that the document he used is a standard template that all BACs are being asked to use. Doris seconded for the purpose of discussion. Sailesh stated that we should include all people with disabilities not just physical and sensory. Doris stated that the history behind the creation of DSBs were so that this group of individuals, who did not have representation, would be recognized. She feels comfortable with the bylaws including "people with disabilities." Deborah expressed that not all persons with I/DD diagnosis were assisted by the CSB and that she believed they should be represented. She stated that she wanted to make sure all people with disabilities are served. Claudia will provide feedback on the bylaws from the county attorney once she receives them. She also mentioned that she was unsure if the DSB had the authority to change the population the board serves, but that she can check with the County Attorney’s Office. She also stated that one thing to note is that changing the scope of who the board serves might also change some of the legislative priorities the DSB has traditionally advocated for, such as the state mandate included every year in the Human Services Issue paper. MaryPauline asked if other BACs that DSB partners with on these issues should be consulted prior to a vote on the bylaws, which include the broader definition of the population the board would serve. Chester expressed frustration at the delay and withdrew his motion or to continue working on the bylaws. He stated that he was excusing himself from the rest of the meeting and exited the call. This agenda item has subsequently tabled.
   
• DSB Mission Statement – Vote: Deborah tabled this item for the next board meeting.
   
• Consolidated Community Funding Advisory Committee (CCFAC) and Affordable Housing A Committee (AHAC) Vacancies: Deborah explained that both committees asked that Cookie Blitz continue on as a DSB liaison for the sake of continuity, for the time being. Doris originally volunteered to serve on the committees, but stated she had no objection to having Cookie serve.  Deborah motioned that Cookie be the liaison to the CCFAC and the motion was approved. Cookie will also be the liaison to the AHAC while it undergoes restructuring.
   
• Committee and Liaison Reports: Tabled until the June meeting.
   
• Additional Business: There was no additional business reported.  

At 8:58 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.  
 

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, March 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 37703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 37703575.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of February Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Sharon Arndt, Director, Community Health Development Division (30 minutes)
• Groundwater Approach: Building a Practical Understanding of Structural Racism – Upcoming Training (2 minutes)
• Review of FY 2022 Proposed Budget (40 minutes)
• Nominations Committee (18 minutes)
• DSB Mission Statement (15 minutes)
• Committee and Liaison Reports (10 minutes)
• Additional Business (5 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Vision, Mission, and Values

FADSB VISION
Everyone in our community should be able to live a healthy, inclusive, fulfilling life. 

FADSB MISSION
The mission of the Fairfax Area- Disability Service Board is to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers who are reside in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The FADSB members also serve as liaisons between  the community and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

FADSB CORE VALUES
In achieving our mission and vision, we value - Respect. Dignity. Action. Equity. Inclusivity. Engagement. Transparency. 

Thru - 

Respect for the people we serve.
Individual dignity and human rights protection are at the center of the FADSB philosophy. 

Quality and comprehensiveness in the advocacy we provide.
Using community engagement and problem solving to make sure services meet the needs of an individual; and remove attitudinal and physical barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life. 

Partnering with people with disabilities.
We collaborate with community boards and organizations to advocate for the unique needs of people with disabilities.

We recognize individuals and local organizations for their achievements in advocating for and supporting the needs of the community

Accountability in all that we do.
We recognize our responsibility to the Fairfax-Falls Church-Fairfax City community by striving to effectively advise community leaders and provide transparency to the community. 

Fairfax County Proposed Budget Plan FY 2022 Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Draft*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Meetings

Monday, March 8, 2021   

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Michele "Cookie" Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District
• Vacant, Mason District
• Vacant, Providence District
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District 
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Nicole Fagan, Trina Mayan-Webb (Department of Family Services)

Public in Attendance: Colin Brody (Health Department), Cynthia Alarico (Neighborhood and Community Services)

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 
 
Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform and/or Zoom (AT&T) phone access.  All board members stated calling from their home district. 
 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1.  Call to order: 7 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. 

2.  Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3.  Approval of Previous (February 2021) Minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded. Doris asked that the following be reflected: In addition to what is contained in the February minutes, Doris also asked how vaccines could be accessed if one cannot come to a vaccination site, and will those sites be equipped so that they are accessible to persons with disabilities. The February minutes were approved to be addended. Cookie abstained from the approval to the changes to minutes as she was not in attendance at the February meeting. 

4.  Public Comment: There was no public comment.  

5.  Meeting Items:

• Transportation update: Cynthia Alarico, Human Services Transportation, Mobility Manager, provided a brief presentation on transportation options that her unit is offering. Colin Brody also updated the board on the number of persons who needed and have received in-home vaccination assistance through the Health Department. To date, 106 visits have been completed and 86 are in the queue to be completed. The Health Department is hoping to grow the number of appointments.
   
• Groundwater Approach: Building a Practical Understanding of Structural Racism: Claudia Vila reminded the board of the upcoming training and recommended that members register as soon as they can, as she anticipates that registration will fill up quickly.
   
• Review of FY 2022 Proposed Budget: Claudia Vila and Nicole Fagan presented a budget review to the committee. See the full budget document for details. Some highlights included:
  
  
  • Department of Family Services- remained with the same funds with a slight increase in the Self Sufficiency Division,
  • Department of Neighborhood and Community Services- increase of funds to support the increase in calls for assistance,
  • Department of Housing and Community Development- proposed reduction in Fund 30300 by one penny, 
  • Health Department- received funding to continue several positions originally funded via the CARES Act,
  • Diversion First and the Opioid task force also received slight increases. 

Comments were made as to pros and cons of the current budget and questions were asked of staff. Deborah stated that she would be open to continued feedback. The consensus of the FA-DSB is that DSB would thank the board for maintaining the budget at the current level, for supporting the eventual reassignment of nurses to the public schools, and to remind the board that cuts to transportation and ADA enforcement and compliance would be detrimental to our community. Cookie stated that it might be important to reinforce that, like all vulnerable populations, individuals with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. 

• Nominations Committee: Deborah reported that she will not run for Chair and Chester stated he would not seek to be Vice-Chair in FY 2022. Judith stated that she would continue to be secretary if nominated. The FY 2022’s Nominating committee was established. Mary Pauline and Melandee volunteered to be this year’s committee members.
   
• DSB Mission Statement: The mission statement was reviewed by the board. Doris felt that the statement, as it currently reads, does not emphasize the “consumer control” or who we should advocate for as a board. Deborah requested that Doris and any other board member craft any proposed language to the mission statement and get that information to her prior to the next meeting.  
   
• Committee and Liaison Reports:
   
  • Cookie provided a housing update: Bills HB1971 and HB 1848 pertained to persons with disabilities and offered protections. She was pleased to see this.
  • Debbie provided a transportation update: Active Fairfax transportation plan is looking for feedback. A survey is currently up on their website.
     
• Additional Business- There was no additional business.  

At 9:01 p.m. a motion was made to adjourn and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.  
 

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Monday, March 8, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-402-9757 and entering the code 1789207.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-402-9757 and entering the code 1789207.

5:30–5:40 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call

5:40–5:45 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment and Review of November Minutes

5:45–6:25 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Items:

• FY 2022 Budget Review
• DSB Mission Statement Review
• Other Business 

6:30 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Vision, Mission, and Values

FADSB VISION
Everyone in our community should be able to live a healthy, inclusive, fulfilling life. 

FADSB MISSION
The mission of the Fairfax Area- Disability Service Board is to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers who are reside in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The FADSB members also serve as liaisons between  the community and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

FADSB CORE VALUES
In achieving our mission and vision, we value - Respect. Dignity. Action. Equity. Inclusivity. Engagement. Transparency. 

Thru - 

Respect for the people we serve.
Individual dignity and human rights protection are at the center of the FADSB philosophy. 

Quality and comprehensiveness in the advocacy we provide.
Using community engagement and problem solving to make sure services meet the needs of an individual; and remove attitudinal and physical barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life. 

Partnering with people with disabilities.
We collaborate with community boards and organizations to advocate for the unique needs of people with disabilities.

We recognize individuals and local organizations for their achievements in advocating for and supporting the needs of the community

Accountability in all that we do.
We recognize our responsibility to the Fairfax-Falls Church-Fairfax City community by striving to effectively advise community leaders and provide transparency to the community. 

Fairfax County Proposed Budget Plan FY 2022 Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Draft*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-866-434-5269 and entering the code 3743216.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-866-434-5269 and entering the code 3743216.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of January Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Review of Expectations (5 minutes)
• COVID-Forums (5 minutes)
• DSB Initiatives- Survey Results (50 minutes)
• By-laws & Mission Statement Review (30 minutes)
• WMATA/Metro Future Funding (10 minutes)
• Committee and Liaison Reports (10 minutes)
• Additional Business (10 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax County COVID-19 Resource Update*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

FA-DSB Members rank the following priorities in order from 1 to 12. 1 being the most important or highest priority and 12 being the least important or lowest priority. 

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 8, 2021  

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Melandee Jones Canady, At-Large
• MaryPauline Jones, Springfield

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: 

• Michele “Cookie” Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District (excused)
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City (excused)

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Nicole Fagan, Trina Mayhan-Webb, Michael Becketts (Department of Family Services/DFS)

Others Present: ASL interpreter(s), Laura Tollin (member of the public), Eileen McCartin (Northern VA Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons/NVRC), Courtney Arroyo (Office of Emergency Management/OEM), Nancy Tubbs (Legal Services of Northern VA/LSNV).

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 

Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home district. 

Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7:02 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.
3. Approval of Previous (Month/Year) minutes: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.
4. Public Comment: 

The following individuals were present and introduced themselves:

1. Nancy Tubbs, LSNV, works with children and youth with disabilities.
2. Laura Tollin, member of the public.
3. Courtney Arroyo, OEM.
4. Eileen McCartin, NVRC, introduced herself via the chat feature.

Meeting Items: 

Chair’s Items:

1. Director Becketts

Director Becketts provided a brief update on the work the county has been doing around COVID-19. He highlighted that Disability Rights and Resources (DRR) has been providing ongoing accessibility training to staff on how best to accommodate persons with disabilities in a virtual environment. Additionally, DRR has created and shared a How-To Zoom Accessibility Guide amongst DFS and other county agencies. It has additionally provided technical assistance to other county agencies around virtual accessibility and reasonable accommodation requests. DFS has been taking the lead on accessibility and inclusivity for all residents. Director Becketts also highlighted DRR’s Access Fairfax e-news and how it has been a source for COVID-19 related information for persons with disabilities. Additionally, it was emphasized that DFS continues to deliver meals to individuals who cannot leave their homes.  Doris Ray asked for an update regarding efforts being made to accommodate persons who could not otherwise drive to the county buildings to receive services, such as the vaccine. Director Becketts stated he and Adult and Aging Division Director, Trina Mayhan-Webb, had been in conversations with the Health Department on ways in which they can outreach to and provide services for individuals who cannot leave their homes. Doris also asked how vaccines could be accessed if one cannot come to a vaccination site, and will those sites be equipped so that they are accessible to persons with disabilities. Claudia will provide an update on this initiative at the March board meeting. Tom Bash suggested that the Health Department consider partnering with OEM to reach those individuals currently signed up for the Functional Needs Registry. Courtney Arroyo stated that OEM had been reaching out to that target population and identifying needs. Sailesh Panchang asked if HIPPA privacy laws could be relaxed under this new environment such that the county could obtain direct client information from private medical providers. Director Becketts stated that the Health Department was working closely with primary care facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies to ensure coordination once the vaccine is made available.  

2. Review of Expectations 

a. Deborah Hammer announced that Ayman Eldarwish had, unfortunately, resigned from the board. She then asked that everyone review the Meeting Expectations document. She read the text aloud and asked if there were any questions. Doris Ray questioned the chat feature of Zoom and whether it was accessible. Sailesh Panchang stated that he too has difficulties with the chat feature. Additionally, he stated that the screen reader does read the chat dialogue and would him to communicate in chat, should he want to.

b. MaryPauline Jones asked that the board consider extending the meetings by half an hour. A discussion ensued about its feasibility, but no decision was voted on.

3. COVID-Forums 

a. Claudia stated that both events were taking place that Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. She stated that they had a good turnout thus far. Additionally, she stated they were asking for questions in advance and encouraged the board to do so. Closed captioning and ALS interpretive services would be provided.  

4. DSB Initiatives- Survey Results 

a. The board reviewed the survey results and the priorities the group identified.  Chester Freedenthal stated that some of these initiatives were already being worked on and asked Tom Bash for a Pre-Notification update. Tom Bash stated he had met with several Supervisors in the winter of 2019, but that since the pandemic things had been put on hold.  

5. By-laws & Mission Statement Review

a. Chester Freedenthal stated that the new document contains about 70% of the old bylaws and some new language modeled after the sample by-laws the county distributed last year. He mentioned having received comments from a few board members and asked that any other input be sent to him as soon as possible.  Chester mentioned the possibility of two-member workgroups as the board moved forward with these initiatives in the future.  

6. WMATA/Metro Future Funding 

a. Doris Ray provided a WMATA update. WMATA received federal relief funding and will announce budget hearings soon. She will continue to update the board as things develop.  

7. Committee and Liaison Reports 

a. Chester Freedenthal stated that the ADA committee had not met but that he does keep abreast of any news that might come out of the Mid-Atlantic group and other disability related organizations.

b. Chester stated that the Public Safety and Emergency Management committee had also not met since the pandemic but that he was extremely pleased with OEM’s efforts to provide COVID-related information to the disability community.

c. Deborah Cohen provided a Trails & Sidewalks committee update. She stated that their committee been brought into the Active Fairfax Transportation planning.  There will be a public input survey out in the weeks to come.  

8. Additional Business 

a. Deborah Hammer asked if there was any interest in having a DSB Social. This would not be a public meeting, therefore there could be no discussion of any DSB related work or initiatives. She asked that the board think of a day during the week that might work.  

Motion to adjourn was made Chester Freedenthal and seconded by MaryPauline Jones at 8:38 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah Hammer.  

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 8628844.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 8628844.

5:30–5:40 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of January Minutes

5:40–5:45 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment & Review of November Minutes

5:45–6:25 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Items:

• DSB By-laws Review
• DSB Mission Statement Review
• DSB Survey Results Review
• DSB Vacancies

6:30 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax County COVID-19 Resource Update*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

FA-DSB Members rank the following priorities in order from 1 to 12. 1 being the most important or highest priority and 12 being the least important or lowest priority. 

FADSB Vision
Everyone in our community should be able to live a healthy, inclusive, fulfilling life. 

FADSB Mission
The mission of the Fairfax Area- Disability Service Board is to advocate for individuals and families of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church who are affected by disabilities and serve as liaisons between the community and the Board of Supervisors. 

FADSB Core Values
In achieving our mission and vision, we value - Respect. Dignity. Action. Equity. Inclusivity. Engagement. Transparency. 

Thru - 

Respect for the people we serve.
Individual dignity and human rights protection are at the center of the FADSB philosophy. 

Quality and comprehensiveness in the advocacy we provide.
Using community engagement and problem solving to make sure services meet the needs of an individual; and remove attitudinal and physical barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life.
 
Partnering with people with disabilities.
Using the power of teamwork, and taking our direction from those with disabilities, we strive to "get things done" and recognize individual and community achievement. 

Accountability in all that we do.
We recognize our responsibility to the Fairfax-Falls Church-Fairfax City community by striving to effectively advise community leaders and provide transparency to the community. 

Bylaws of Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (As of 05/2019)*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Virtual Meeting on Zoom

FA-DSB Members in Attendance

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City 

Others Present

• Claudia Vila, Manager, Disability Rights and Resources
• Nicole Fagan, Staff, Disability Rights and Resources

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 

Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home district. 

Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

FA-DSB Executive Committee Items Discussed During the Meeting

Minutes and Agenda:

Call to order: 5:30 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. 

Public Comment: There was no public comment.

Executive Committee Meeting Items:  

Review of November Minutes - approved as presented.

Summary of Changes Made to DSB Bylaws

Chester is currently working on the final changes to the by-laws. Members should send any changes to Claudia who will, in turn, send to Chester. Then a copy will be sent to all committee members for final comments and subsequent approval. Claudia will then provide input of the final draft before it goes to the County Attorney’s Office. Anticipate full board spring approval.   

DSB Mission Statement Review

There was a discussion of the DSB Mission Statement. Claudia provided real-time track changes to the document based on the committee’s feedback. A copy will be shared with the full board at the March meeting. A discussion took place regarding future collaboration with other DSB boards in Northern Virginia.  

DSB Survey Results Review

The committee reviewed the survey results and the priorities identified in it. Web accessibility was mentioned as an item of particular interest to the committee. Claudia stated that there might be a county work dedicated to web accessibility and that she will inquire about it. The DSB would be interested in consulting with this group, if possible. 

DSB Vacancies

There are currently four board vacancies. The open positions are in Falls Church, Providence, Mason, and Dransville districts. Deborah would be interested in reaching out to the respective supervisors and urge them to advertise the vacancies.  

Additional Business

There was a discussion around the County’s disability Facebook page. Claudia stated that an internal decision was made to fold in any Disability Rights and Resources information into the general DFS page. She stated that OPH is currently determining how to utilize the existing disability Facebook page. The committee expressed a desire to preserve the page so that there could be an outlet for sharing disability-related news/events.  

Motion to adjourn was made and seconded at 6:40 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.  

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Nov. 11, 2021 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of October Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• Colin Brody, Assistant Public Health Emergency Management Coordinator- COVID-19 Update (35 minutes)
• Nicole Fagan- Update on County Resources (15 minutes)
• DSB Initiatives- Survey Results (60 minutes)
• WMATA/Metro Future Funding (10 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax County COVID-19 Resource Update*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

FA-DSB Members rank the following priorities in order from 1 to 12. 1 being the most important or highest priority and 12 being the least important or lowest priority. 

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Meeting

Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 8628844.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code: 8628844.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of October Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair's Items:

• City Center NOVA-Guest Speaker (30 minutes)
• County Usage of Clear Facemasks (10 minutes)
• DSB Meeting Guidelines Update (5 minutes)
• DSB Bylaws-Update (40 minutes)
• DSB Mission Statement (20 minutes)
• Martha Glennan Awards Update (5 minutes)
• Liaison/Committee Reports & Vacancies (5 minutes)
• Review of minutes (5 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Monday, Oct. 19 Meeting Minutes Review*

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws 2019 May*

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws 2020 September Draft*

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws PowerPoint 2020 November Status*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Monday, Nov. 9, 2020

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Michele “Cookie” Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: 

• Ayman Eldarwish, Mason District
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Kelly Simoneaux, Providence District
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District - excused at 8 p.m.

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Diana Cottrill, Trina Mayhan-Webb

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID -19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 
 
Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home district. 
 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7 p.m.  Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. 

2. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3. Approval of Previous (October 2020) Minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

4. Public Comment: Laura Tollin, member of the public joined via Zoom. She received information from the staff that supports the FA-DSB.  

5. Meeting Items: 

• City Center NOVA - Guest Speakers, Paula Mannion and Donna Budway. Donna gave a very informative presentation on this program. City Center NOVA are small clusters of communities for people with disabilities in the area. Additional communities are planned in Arlington County (two properties), Fairfax County, Herndon, and Alexandria City. The importance of community has been emphasized throughout this process. The name of this organization will be changed to "Our Stomping Ground" Northern VA. as of Jan. 2021.
   
• County Usage of Clear Facemasks - This was identified as one of the COVID-19 concerns by the DSB. The DSB asked Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to wear clear face masks at their meetings. The response was that they could not. Andrew Magill further encouraged the Board to wear the masks. Laura Tollin commented that it is difficult to see facial expressions through the clear facial masks. The Board of Supervisors currently does not have "live" sign language interpretation during meetings. There was discussion regarding writing a letter to support a sign language interpreter for all meetings of the Board of Supervisors. Andrew agreed to draft a letter to support sign language interpreters at all the meetings and will forward to Deborah.
   
• DSB Meeting Guidelines - the guidelines will remain the same except for the length of time members can speak, which will be reduced from five minutes to two or three minutes at a time. Members may be asked to stop talking by the chair. 
   
• FOIA guidelines - Due to the way FOIA rules are written, a board member may only contact one board member at a time. Comments to the entire board should be sent to Claudia who will disseminate the information to the entire board. Board members are asked to remind each other regarding these communication rules. 
   
• DSB Bylaws Update - Chester gave a presentation about why the Bylaws were changed. This is accessible in documents sent to all board members. Chester reviewed the changes from 2019 to 2020. Chester added comments regarding information to be considered by the entire board. Please send comments/questions to Claudia for the executive committee. The executive committee will review and respond to the questions. An additional draft will be completed after comments/questions and submitted to the entire board for review. The bylaws will then be reviewed by the county attorney and will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors. We hope to have the new bylaws fully approved and in place by mid-2021.  
  
  Cookie stated reasons for writing that we meet every month vs not every month. There was a point of clarification requiring a monthly meeting vs a guideline of monthly meeting.
  
  Andrew commented that meetings in the summer may increase attendance in the community. Laura commented that we might have meetings for 11 months and not 12.
  
  Claudia commented that staff time commitment is exponentially increased with virtual meetings. At this time, staff support is currently down by 50%. It is not anticipated that staff support will be increased for one to two more years.  
  
  Deborah encouraged feedback to Claudia for any information regarding the bylaws.  
   
• DSB Mission Statement - Chester updated the mission statement and Deborah stated that not all the newer members may not have understood the mission and purpose of the FA-DSB. This statement will be revised and sent out to members prior to the January meeting.
   
• Martha Glennan Awards Update - Deborah encouraged every member of the Board to attend the December 14 Awards at 6:30 p.m. Board of Supervisors, Chairman McKay will be giving remarks at 6:40 p.m. This is a virtual awards ceremony. Thank you to Mary Pauline and Debbie for coordinating and making the selections for this award.  The next official FA-DSB meeting will be in Jan. 2021.
   
• Liaison/Committee Reports and Vacancies 
  a. Deborah - attended the Equity Task Force meeting. Deborah was able to bring "disability" to the table as this was the first time that people with disabilities were considered at this Task Force meeting.   
  b. Deborah - WIN meeting, but was unable to attend. 
  c. Chester - Disability and Volunteering Task Force - the purpose is to identify areas where people with disabilities may be able to volunteer in Fairfax County. It is a large group.  
  d. We need a volunteer to sit on Trails, Sidewalks and Bikeways Committee.   
   
• Fairfax County has started to think about dispensing the COVID-19 vaccine. The county wants to make sure it is accessible to all individuals, particularly those with disabilities.  
   
• A round robin of members was conducted to see if anyone had any further comments. Chester reinforced the fact that attendance at meetings is important.  
   
• Review of minutes for Nov. meeting. 

Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah at 8:52 p.m.

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code: 7703575.

5:30–5:40 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call

5:40–5:45 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

5:45–6:25 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Items:

• Summary of Changes Made to DSB Bylaws
• DSB Mission Statement
• Board Goals for FY 2021

6:30 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws 2019 May*

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws 2020 September Draft*

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Bylaws PowerPoint 2020 November Status*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Monday, Nov. 9, 2020

FA-DSB Members in Attendance

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Manager, Disability Rights and Resources

Public in attendance: Diana Cottrill, Department of Family Services

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 
 
Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home district. 
 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 5:35 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. 

2. Public Comment: There was no public comment.

FA-DSB Executive Committee Items Discussed During the Meeting

• Summary of Changes Made to DSB Bylaws: 
  There was a discussion of the bylaws. The method of feedback from Board members will be through Claudia Vila not directly to the executive board members.  Each suggestion from board members will be discussed and addressed through the executive board. The Board is not an action oriented board but is in fact an advisory board to the Board of Supervisors.  
   
• DSB Mission Statement: 
  There was a discussion of the DSB Mission Statement. All views and suggestions were considered, and the mission statement will be updated.  
   
• Board Goals for FY 2021
  Deborah stated that she would like to have some accomplishments that we have completed each year, possibly in the form of an annual report. Chester will provide an example of our accomplishments of both the individual board members and the achievements of the entire board. Chester stated we need to consider how our board can reach out to other BAC's in Fairfax County in order to get rid of attitudinal and physical barriers and allow people with disabilities to serve on a variety of boards throughout the County. Claudia stated that this is also supported by her office in Fairfax County.  

6:40 p.m. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.  

Drafts of notes submitted by Judith Turcott, FA-DSB secretary (11.9.2020)

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Full Board Meeting

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 8628844.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 8628844.

7–7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of September Minutes

7:05–7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15–8:55 p.m. Chair’s Items:

• Upcoming Elections and Accessibility (20 minutes)
• FA-DSB Meeting Guidelines (10 minutes)
• Martha Glennan Awards-Recipients (10 minutes)
• COVID Response (40 minutes)
• Liaison/Committee Reports & Vacancies (15 minutes)
• Review of minutes (5 minutes)

9 p.m. Adjourn

Application Forms Not Accessible to Many with Disabilities, as Deadlines Loom*

*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:

• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Michele “Cookie” Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District 
• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District
• Doris Ray, At-Large

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: 

• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District (excused)
• Ayman Eldarwish, Mason District (excused)
• Kelly Simoneaux, Providence District

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Nicole Fagan

Public in attendance: Courtney Arroyo, Gary Scott

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present. 
 
Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform.  All board members stated calling from their home district. 
 
Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T conference call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7:05 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting. 

2. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3. Approval of September minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded by Judith. Doris Ray requested to be put in the minutes that she was abstaining from approval of the September minutes as she was unable to attend the meeting in September due to technical difficulties.  

4. Public Comment: Courtney Arroyo, Fairfax Office of Emergency Management reported that all 258 voting locations received boxes of clear face masks requested by the FA-DSB. 

5. Guest Speaker: Gary Scott, Director of Elections Fairfax County.  The following questions were asked and answered:

• Are people with disabilities able to skip long lines when waiting to vote? All polling places are equipped with audible ballots, voting machines. He stated there are no specific guidelines to move people with mobility issues to move to the front of the line, but the option to have a ballot to be brought curbside is available.
   
• How would someone with a disability indicate the ability to vote curbside? Every polling area has at least 3 parking places to have a curbside vote. There is a number to call to access an election officer who will be called to be able to come to the car and help with the process.
   
• How does a person with a significant hearing impairment with a sign language interpreter be able to vote? Most people can use typical voting machines. There are election officers available to be able to help.
   
• Are there alternative formats of Absentee ballots for voters with visual impairments? Concerns were raised about varying signatures to make sure the vote would be disqualified. Virginia does not complete signature matching.  
   
• Do all early voting stations have an audible ballot? Yes, they are available.  

6. FA-DSB Committees: Sailesh Panchang, Sully District: the document included in the DA-FSB was developed by his company to make mail in ballots accessible and this was an initiative to be completed across 50 states and DQ offered to make ballots free of charge. Sailesh discussed the technical aspects of this type of document.  

Doris commented on the article. Doris brought up that if you had to print an absentee ballot and if you do not have access to a printer that could be difficult. This is an important accessibility point - not having access to a printer. Deborah stated that no witnesses for voting were required this year. 

FA-DSB Guidelines for Meetings: Deborah asked that these Guidelines be shared on the screen. With only two hours for each meeting, the committee ran out of time for a previous meeting and therefore these guidelines were developed to allow completing board business and maintaining a quorum.  

Discussion: Doris is unable to raise hand due to the fact she is unable to do this due to technology, if the technology is not available - the chair states that it was ok to verbalize a request to speak. It is felt it to be unfair that items be put in chat as it is not equitable technology. Claudia offered to monitor the chat box and forward chat box information through her email. 

Martha Glennon Awards: As reported by Mary Pauline, Selections this year were difficult. 
Organization: ServiceSource
Individual: Diane Monning, ARC of Northern Virginia
Mary Pauline motioned to accept the awardees and Debra Cohen seconded.
Discussion around how the awards were decided this year vs in the past years. Doris would like to register as abstaining to the vote for the Martha Glennon Awards.
COVID-19 Response: Deborah read the Impacts of COVID-19 on Residents of Fairfax County with Disabilities. 
See full document for details. Deborah requested for potential solutions. Discussion from multiple members of the committee about insights and potential solutions was completed.  

Liaison/Committee Reports and Vacancies:

Housing: Cookie stated that the main thing she has done is liaise through people with other committees to make the needs for people with disabilities known. 

Mobility and Transportation: Doris Ray - This committee has not been meeting. May want to coordinate with the long-term care council. Concerns about cuts in metro bus service. Consider the idea to send information to the Fairfax County Board member who liaises with the WMATA board to state concerns about service cuts.

Employment: Judy Turcott - Reconsider role and how to use the employment resources and advocacy going forward.  

Retreat committee: Visioning committee has been valuable before, table for a future meeting.  

Education Committee: Liaison is currently vacant. 

9 p.m. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.  

Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at 6 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-866-434-5269 and entering the code 3743216.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426. TTY: VA Relay 711.

To access via AT&T Bridge call 1-866-434-5269 and entering the code: 3743216.

5:30–5:40 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call

5:40–5:45 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

5:45–6:25 p.m.

• Executive Committee Meeting Items:
• Summary of the FA-DSB Bylaw Changes
• Guideline Implementation at FA-DSB Meetings
• Board Goals for FY 2021

6:25–6:30 p.m. Adjourn

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code 7703575.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426; TTY VA Relay 711. To access via AT&T Bridge call dial 1-877-336-1829 and enter code 7703575.

7:00-7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call and Approval of July Minutes

7:05-7:10 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:10-7:30 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Items:

• Martha Glennan Awards – Committee
• November Meeting Date

7:30 p.m. Adjourn

Nomination information for Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2020 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020   

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:                                                  

• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District
• Michele “Cookie” Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District
• Kelly Simoneaux, Providence District
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Ayman Eldarwish, Mason District

FA-DSB Members Absent from the Meeting: Doris Ray, At-Large

Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Karen Kelly

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID -19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present.

Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform.  All board members stated calling from their home district.

Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7:00 p.m.  Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting.

2. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

3. Approval of July minutes: Minutes were approved, proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

4. Public Comment: There was no public comment. 

5. Martha Glennan Awards Committee: Deborah expressed the importance of continuing the award this year. Her reasons were that there are many people who have been doing many things to support the disability community and they should be honored.  The awards specifically state this year that:  Awardees will be honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities, particularly during the pandemic.

Motion for postponing of the awards: There was no motion for this.  The virtual award ceremony will be held Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. 

Mary Pauline volunteered as the awards chair for the 2020 awards year.  The committee needs a second person to assist with the award nominees.  Deborah Cohen will be assisting with the award selection committee.

Claudia presented documents for application of the awards. She has secured the time for Fairfax County Board, Chairman McKay to be in attendance. 

The Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 FA-DSB meeting will be virtual. 

6. November Meeting Date: Motion for an additional meeting in November was presented and seconded. This meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7pm and will be virtual. The purpose of the meeting will be to continue to work on the many initiatives that were presented at our September meeting.  

Deborah stressed that we continue to have openings for committees, please let Claudia, Nicole, or Deborah know if you are interested in serving on these important committees. 

7:24 p.m. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah. 

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Executive Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 at 7 p.m. will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 1-877-402-9757 and entering the code 1789207.

Meeting materials will be posted on our website or contact Claudia Vila by email or call 703-324-5426.

For ADA accommodations, please contact 703-324-5426; TTY VA Relay 711. To access via AT&T Bridge call dial 1-877-402-9757 and enter code 1789207.

7:00-7:05 p.m. Call to Order – Roll Call

7:05-7:15 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment

7:15-8:55 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Items:

• FA-DSB Roster & Subcommittees
• Martha Glennan Awards – Committee
• FA-DSB Member Survey Results
• Review of minutes

8:55-9:00 p.m. Adjourn

Nomination information for Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2020 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards.

Why did you want to be on the Disability Services Board?

• After I was denied a ride in an Uber because of my wheelchair, I started working on disability policy in transportation and realized that much of the work needs to be done at the local level.  I joined the DSB to provide additional background, disability, age, and vocational background to the board to better serve our community.
• To get involved in the broader community to support the disability community.
• I want to work to make life more equitable and accessible for the disabled
• Give back to the community and be active in retirement.
• To be available as a  resource to influence County's policies that may have a direct impact on issues concerning PWD 
• I wanted to make a difference for people with disabilities in my community, share my own expertise, and collaborate with others who have a similar interest. 
• To bring awareness that there are many members of the Fairfax community who have disabilities of all types and to encourage more than minimal compliance with the ADA. 
• To compliment and empower advocacy for people with disabilities, most of whom cannot even express their frustrations. Accessibility & transportation have always been a non-priority to lawmakers & government executives. Additionally, to help update and improve existing regulations and laws that pose exceptional burdens to the disability community.
• To improve the lives of people with disabilities who residing in Fairfax County.
• The late Lt. Governor John Hager of Virginia was an inspiration to me. I had to privilege of serving as his page when he was Lt. Governor, assistant when he was Assistant Secretary for the US Department of Education, and campaign manager when he was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. For the man to lose all mobility in his legs (due to polio) after his first child was born, be fired from his employer, and to still come back and achieve all he did was inspiring to me. Traveling with him over the years gave me insight into many of problems in the disability world and made me want to help fix that.
• I wanted to volunteer my time and my knowledge to help people with disabilities in a different way than at work. I wanted to expand my knowledge of people with disabilities in my community

What is your personal connection to the disability community?

• I am a paraplegic and disability rights attorney.
• I have adult children with disabilities.
• I am a deaf and physically disabled person. 
• Both my wife and I have sight and mobility issues. We also have friends and relatives with disability issues.
• I have been blind  for almost 30 years, and now have impaired hearing for 4+years.  I lost my job as a financial / IS auditor after going blind in India and moved to the U.S. to pursue a MS in Rehabilitation Technology with a focus on Web accessibility from the University of Pittsburgh . I have been working in the field of digital accessibility for 20 years now.
• I have autism and Lupus. My mother has had multiple sclerosis for most of my life and has been completely paralyzed for about 12 years. I also have many family members with autism spectrum disorders. I have degrees in music therapy, special education, and applied behavioral analysis and have worked as a special educator for 28 years.
• I have long been an advocate for the disability community and others whose voice is not often heard in an effective way.  
• My two adult sons are disabled.
• I have a nephew with autism.
• I am a speech language pathologist by training and I have a brother with disabilities.

What disability related issues are you most passionate about?

• Transportation.
• Employment and transportation.
• My major was Government in college and I am most passionate in legislating changes in laws, to improve services and equability for the disabled, locally and nationally.
• Retail store accessibility.
• Internet accessibility.
• Emergency Preparedness.
• Educational an Recreational inclusivity.
• Specifically employment, legislation that impacts PWD Accessibility in most facets of digital interaction.
• Self-determination; transition between school and the adult world; neurodiversity;  health issues; abuse prevention; access and inclusion for all.
• ADA compliance and legislative issues.
• Housing and transportation seem to be on everyone’s agenda. Lifting income restrictions on families with disabilities that fracture cohesion and raise divorce rates among our families. Bring the attention of the community and its lawmakers that when minority mothers (of other cultures) become dedicated for their lifetime to their disabled children, they end up not qualifying for Medicare and are left without support income to survive. EARLY AWARENESS PROGRAMS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE WELLBEING OF OUR FAMILIES AND ON HOW TO REER THEIR NEWBORN DISABLED CHILDREN WITHIN THE CONFINES OF OUR CORRUPT SOCIAL SECURITY LAWS. EARLY AWARENESS PROGRAMS ALLOW THESE FAMILIES TO INTEGRATE APPROPRIATELY WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY. 
• Enhanced 9-1-1 safety for the 1,178 individuals who have signed up for the Functional Needs Registry (FNR).
• Wheelchair accessibility and support for PTSD.
• Employment and community social activities.

What other activities/organizations are you involved in?

• I am the owner of a law firm, a Mom to two young children, a member of the BOD of ECNV and BOD of Wheels of Happiness (we provide wheelchairs and medical supplies to third world countries), and on the WMATA AAC.
• I am very involved in my church and I’m involved in supporting my kids in a range of Special Olympics sports.
• Mobility & Transportation Committee for Disabled and Elderly, Emergency Preparedness Committee for Fairfax Area Disability Services Board.
• Fairfax County Animal Services Advisory Commission, Community Educator for Senior Medicare Patrol, Volunteer at Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
• Acknowledged contributor to the making of the W3C.org's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 2.1. In 2019 I rallied against the VA State's  Bill SB 1302/ HB2296, met with the Senator and wrote to the Governor to veto the Bill (the Bill that restricts rights of people with vision/hearing disabilities against inaccessible websites  of bankks / financial institutions). I provided significant inputs to the design of the mobile app planned by Metro Access to help riders.
• I work as an Autism Specialist/Low-Incidence with Arlington Public Schools. I chair the Northern Virginia Transition Coalition, which organizes Future Quest, a college and career fair for youth with disabilities. I am the advisor to The Order of Self-Determination, a club for high school students with all disabilities, and The Cool Aspies, a club for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. I frequently speak at national and international conferences on autism and self-determination and I am a writer and presenter for The Organization for Autism Research. In my free time, I am a master naturalist, on the board of Friends of Dyke Marsh, a Freemason, and I sing. I also work with bats- as a rehabilitator, educator, and researcher.
• CCFAC, AHAC, Jewish Federations of North America, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, political and advocacy efforts for underserved people.
• Arc of Nova, LSNV, Endependence Center, Mason District Gov., FCSB, WMATA & Metro Access, DNC Disability Engagement Committee, local elected officials and support agencies, many national organizations serving the disability community directly or indirectly.
• Commission on Aging, Long-Term Care Coordinating Council, Consolidated Community Advisory Committee.
• Vice Chair for the Fairfax Transportation Advisory Commission.
• Herndon Friday Night Live Volunteer.
• I continue to work as a speech language pathologist, I am active with current research and information in my field.

What would you like to see as the top three priorities for the FA-DSB for the next year?

1) Transportation and Technology—ie, Autonomous vehicle rollout in Mosaic/transforming transportation for PWD in Fairfax Area through rideshare, AV, transit partnership, etc.
2) Accessibility Education and Accountability for Businesses who Make Profits by operating in Fairfax Area.
3) Employment Initiatives for PWD in Fairfax Area.

Not sure. I don’t have a good sense of the best role for DSB and where DSB could have the most impact.

1) More Housing for disabled.
2) Employment Opportunities.
3) Improved Transportation Services.

1) Full participation in Standing Committees.
2) Re-write Bylaws.
3) Establish short term and long term Board goals.

1) How can County assist PWD.
2) How are children with disabilities coping up with online school system.
3) What processes are in place to monitor and ensure accessibility of County's programs and  services especially as online interaction becomes more critical?

1) Meeting the needs of Fairfax-area residents who are impacted by the pandemic.
2) Promoting the use of universal design in county facilities, businesses new.
3) Utilizing the talents and interests of each member of the FA-DSB construction to expand access for all.

1) Responding to the COVID-19 public health crisis by first ascertaining how people with disabilities have been effected and what needs they have to maintain safety. 
2) Continuing to work towards a more inclusive policy on hiring County employees with disabilities.
3) Exploring ways to enhance transportation options for people with disabilities including maximizing usage of those that already exist. .

1) With urban cities extending to the suburbs from population growth, WMATA still cannot cross county lines despite that the greater portion of its funding comes from the state and the federal gov. So, if your only specialist’s office is at Prince William Hospital, the disabled trip becomes a dilemma.
2) Every end of year the DSB should compile an internal list of issues dealt with during the entire year with reasonable details on what extent was accomplished and/or reasons of delayed resolution. Also a list of ideas that have come up during the course of the year that maybe provided priority in the following year. Each member would be responsible for the upkeep of the section they advocate for, not just committee chairs.
3) People with disabilities should be provided a brochure by mail that Fairfax County ready offers.

1) Improvements to Functional Needs Registry (FNR).
2) Adoption of Pre-Notification 9-1-1.
3) Technological Upgrades to MetroAccess.

1) Ensuring buildings and public areas are up to date with ADA  requirements.
2) Better access to counseling – this could be done in partnership with other committees.
3) Increase in accommodations for those seeking jobs.

1) Employment coordinator for Persons with disabilities in Fairfax County.
2) Exploration of barriers to employment for people with disabilities.
3) Greater understanding of the FA-DSB’s role in Fairfax County/Fairfax City.

Meeting Recording

Meeting Minutes

Monday, Sept. 14, 2020

FA-DSB Members in Attendance:                                                  

• Andrew Magill, At-Large
• Chester Freedenthal, Vice-Chair, Lee District
• Deborah Cohen, Braddock District
• Deborah Hammer, Chair, Mount Vernon District
• Doris Ray, At-Large
• Judith Turcott, Secretary, Fairfax City
• Mary Pauline Jones, Springfield District
• Sailesh Panchang, Sully District
• Michele “Cookie” Hymen Blitz, Hunter Mill District
• Kelly Simoneaux, Providence District
• Tom Bash, At-Large
• Ayman Eldarwish, Mason District

DSB Support Staff: Claudia Vila, Nicole Fagan, Trina Mayhan-Webb

Public in attendance: Courtney Arroyo, Laura Tollins

The board conducted a wholly electronic meeting because the COVID -19 pandemic made it unsafe to physically assemble a quorum in one location or to have the public present.

Board members and staff support accessed the meeting via the Zoom web platform. All board members stated calling from their home district.

Members of the public accessed the meeting via an AT&T call line.

Minutes and Agenda:

1. Call to order: 7:10 p.m. Roll call was done to establish that a quorum was present and that all could hear. A script was shared about the state of emergency necessitating a virtual meeting.

2. Approval of July minutes: motioned to defer approval of the July minutes proposed by Doris, seconded by Chester, adopted unanimously.

3. Public Comment: Courtney Arroyo, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), stated that September is Emergency Preparedness Month. The OEM is available to provide presentations to groups as needed. 

Doris Ray posed a question to Courtney about how the OEM may work with the Board of Elections. OEM is helping with logistics and helping the County Board of Elections with safety issues. Courtney stated that funds will be available from the CARE Act and additionally monies will be available through FEMA to help with payment for safety protections.

Both Doris and Kelly would like to discuss voting information in New Business.

Laura Tollins, guest (on the phone) would like to see that people with disabilities have opportunities for employment.

3. Approval of Agenda: Proposed by Deborah, it was seconded.

4. FA-DSB Member Survey Results: Claudia and Nicole presented the collated information from each board member that was previously submitted. Deborah had each member discuss the reasons why they wanted to be part of the board, what their personal connection to the disability community is,  what disability issues they were most passionate about, what other activities/organizations they are involved with,  and what would you like to see as the top three priorities for the FA-DSB for the next year. 

5. FA-DSB Committees: It was proposed by Doris that the committee discuss the sharing of the individual surveys for each board member to review, Mary Pauline seconded the motion for discussion  There was discussion regarding if the individual surveys with attached names, would be subject to a FOIA request. Mary Pauline stated that the recording of the meeting could be subject to FOIA. The information from the roster is part of the public record. There is no guarantee that this information can be kept private. Mary Pauline motioned to move the discussion to a vote, it was seconded. The motion to share this information from individual surveys failed.

Doris would like to add to her survey prior to everyone as she does not think she was able to submit that information previously. 

Deborah discussed each of the regular committees and who was chairing the committee. 
Additions:  Legislative Committee- Chair is Mary Pauline Jones
Consolidated Community Funding Advisory Committee (CCFAC)- Chair is Cookie Blitz
SAC members are anonymous and consider volunteering- this should be removed under CCFAC
Long Term Care Coordinating Council’s (LTCCC)- Chair is Tom Bash.
Disability and Volunteering Task Force: Chester is a liaison. 
Welcoming Inclusion Network (WIN): Deborah is a liaison.

Laura - from the phone would like to participate in some capacity and Deborah encouraged Laura to become a member of the FA-DSB through her Fairfax County representative.

Martha Glennan Nominating Committee - The FA-DSB needs to form an Ad Hoc Committee and that we need 2 volunteers to work on this short-term committee. If you are on the nominating committee you cannot nominate someone for an award. 

Doris motioned that we defer this award for this year because the disability community is limited in their participation. Her main concern is that the award ceremony would not be accessible to all for this year. The motion failed for lack of a second. Deborah feels that this award should continue this year since many of the people involved with people with disabilities. At this time Andrew feels the award should be put on hold until spring. Andrew did not second the motion. Doris stated that when this virtual award ceremony is conducted it needs to meet full ADA requirements.  

Mary Pauline suggested that the committee only judge the potential awardees on what information is provided by the nominating person.

9:07 p.m. the committee had lost a quorum. The meeting was adjourned by Deborah.