LTC 278-2009 Invitation to Disability Awareness Day" events
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC # 278-2009 SETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: October 16, 2009
SUBJECT: Invitation to Disability Access Com ee's "Disability Awareness Day" events
This Letter to Commission is intended to provide you with information relating to the upcoming
Disability Awareness Day activities that have been developed by the City's Disability Access
Committee. The activities are designed to bring awareness to the many challenges and
opportunities that exist for our disabled community. As you are aware, the City is working to
improve access for all of our residents, including -among other things -the installation of audio
crosswalk signals at various intersections throughout the city, as well as providing "mobi-mats" for
beach access.
The day-long series of events kick off with the hosting of the Miami Beach Chamber of
Commerce's monthly "Breakfast with the President" in the breezeway area outside of the
Commission Chambers. A welcome and event kickoff will begin at 9:OOam in the Commission
Chambers, which will include the assignment of "disabilities" to employee volunteers as part of a
hands-on simulation. It is my understanding that many of you have already volunteered to
participate in the simulation.
We would also like to invite you to attend the press conference and ribbon cutting at 12:30pm at
the intersection of Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue, where we will officially launch our fully
functional audio crosswalk. In addition, the Committee will recognize two local businesses that
support the disabled community.
The Committee has organized an expo and art exhibit at the Miami Beach Community Church from
1:OOpm to 4:00 pm, as well as events at the Euclid Circle that include the live taping of the show
"Cooking without Looking," and live entertainment by disabled performers. A fundraising reception
will be held at Crescendo's Piano Bar later in the evening.
Please see the attached card for even specifics. We hope you can join us for some or all of the
events.
IMPORTANT: Please confirm your participation in the Disability Simulation with Rebecca
Wakefield. The simulation lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours, and you would be assigned a
volunteer to be with you during that time (in your office, etc.). The disability for the
simulation will not be assigned until the day of the event.
As always, please feel free to contact me should you have any questions on this event, or contact
Hilda Fernandez should you require additional information.
JMG/hmf
F:\cmgr\$ALLWFernandez\Other Departments\Public Works\Disability Awareness Day\DAD LTC 10 16 09.doc
DISABILITY awareness DAY
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9:0o a.m.
Miomi Beach Ciy Hall
Chamber of Commerce Coffee with the President
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Event Kick-off and Disability Simukttion
Miami Beach City Hall, Commission Chambers
Events kick oFF when Miami Beach employees simulate a disability alongside committee members
and/or disabled partners.
12:30 p.m.: Press Conference and Riblwn•cLrtting of
Audibb pedeserion Warning Devices ~ Crosswalks
Lincoln Road & Washington Avenue
The first intersection with fully audible crosswalks is unveiled and other
improvements to assist the disabled are announced.
1:00 p.m: 4:00 p.m.: Disability Expo & Art Exhibition (free & open ro the public)
Miami Beach Community Church, 1620 Drexel Avenue (Lincoln Road)
Businesses and organizations will showcase the latest in assistive
technologies fo increase Human Abilities and Accessibiliy, while an art exhibit
features the works of those with disabilities.
2;Op p•m.: Taping of TV Show "Cooking without looking"
(Free S open ro the public)
Lincoln Road & Euclid Avenue
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Live Entertainment (Free & open to the public)
Lincoln Road & Euclid Avenue
Featuring groups 8 artists with disabilities.
ACE Central Hardware • ACE Hard Goods • h~csha^ge • Amuka • AT&T • AV Pros • Big Cheese
Brown's Beauy • common zen media • Conni Gordon Foundation • Crunch Fitness •DMR • Elite Tent Company
Epicure Markel • Florida Council of the Blind • James and Pat Kracht • Jerry New • L'Occitane • L9 6lhouse for the
Blind • Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce •Miomi Beach Communiy Church • Michael's Deli Patricia J.
Garcia • Police Athletic League • Roasters Hedof~Veion World Foundaoo Romero Britro • Taylannas Inc. • The Miami
7 Productions, Inc. • Abilifies Unlimited r+ovrA•v D0~ Buddies • CCDH-ACT • Center For
Hearing and Communication • Center for Independent Living • Crunch • Duda County Disability Guide • DBS • Deaf
Family Literacy Academy •DMR • Dr. Emily Rowe AcwpuncNre • FC8 • florido Readl~ngi nd9 ision Technology Inc.
FTRI of CIL • H.O.P.E. • INcord • Jewish Communiy Services BCSI • L'Occitone • M fyin America • Menus that
Talk/Tours that Talk • Miami Beach Parks and Recreation • Miami Dade Public Library System • Miami Lighthouse
OM.ite Te<hnoogy • Sabrina Cohen foundation • Shake A leg • Special Olympics • Sunrise Communiy/Log Cabin
SyrANSm and RelatedhD sab I~esn• Vatemns Admin stra ont• Vision WorWsFoundationmond Cluooking withoN Looking for
~ MIAMIBEACH
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