Disability Advisory Council Meeting

Minutes – February 20, 2015 Present: Riemer, Acker, LeBow, Von Gnechten, Kiefer, Hasler, Joque, Schuster Meeting called to order at 1:00 pm.

 Due to lack of a voting quorum, past minutes could not be approved.

 George Acker was welcomed. He will be filling in for Carl Rasmussen as the Ex Officio council member from Facilities Planning.

 Budget Update – Jim Joque reported that our operating account balance has been depleted. Foundation account monies were used to fill a $57.43 deficit from the “Celebrate All Abilities” programming this past October. Although Vice- Chancellor Al Thompson had stated that he would provide funding for the Disability Advisory Council; this may be in question considering the economic situation at UWSP.

 Climate Subcommittee Report – Jim Joque states that the subcommittee has not met as yet, but that two of our student members had expressed interest in the subcommittee. Funding for next fall’s “Celebrate All Abilities” would be impacted should VC Thompson not be able to provide the DAC with a set budget amount. Discussion of possibilities for external funding ensued; in particular the money we contribute toward room rental for Ministry Health Care’s speaker. Other programming could be arranged with minimal funding required.

 Accessibility Assessment Subcommittee Report - Cindy Von Gnechten reported no new accessibility concerns have come in. Jim Joque reported a large tour group from the Delavan School for the Blind will be coming to UWSP next week. Paul Hasler asked to be informed of the tour route so that he could ensure a clear pathway for the students. Cindy Von Gnechten suggested that the tour include one of the newly renovated residence halls that included updates specifically for the visually impaired.

 Website Update – Susan LeBow gave a demonstration of the updated format for the Disability Advisory Council website. Members were very complementary about the changes Susan had made. Susan requests input as to anything else that members wish to include in the website. Suggestions were made to include contact information for the co-chairs and links to “Celebrate All Abilities” planned programming when available.

 Old Business – Roxanne Schuster asked that Facilities Planning keep the DAC up to date on the parking issues re: closing Lot X for the new Science Building. George Acker reported that groundbreaking is projected for November and that Carl Rasmussen was working closely with Bill Rowe to develop a parking plan.  New Business – Discussion of meeting times/dates occurred due to the poor turn-out for meetings as of late. It was decided to once again poll members in late spring for preference for the following Academic Year, so as to include any new members. (Membership needs/vacancies will be discussed at the March meeting.)

Jim moved that we adjourn. Roxanne seconded.

Meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by Roxanne Schuster.