Director’s Report to the Mayor’s Disability Council (MDC) September/October 2021

Director’s Report to the Mayor’s Disability Council (MDC)

September/October 2021

Nicole Bohn, Director

Mayor’s Office on Disability

 

Today’s Director’s Report to the Mayor’s Disability Council (MDC) provides a snapshot of some of the core issues that the Mayor’s Office on Disability (MOD) has been engaged with since the most recent public hearing of the MDC. This report also suggests ongoing and emerging items for MDC consideration in planning for the 2021-2022 legislative year.

 

Members of the public wishing to engage with aspects of this report may contact MOD at mod@sfgov.org or by calling 415 554-6789. You may join our distribution list by contacting us, or by visiting our homepage: https://sfgov.org/mod.

 

Legislative updates: MDC and members of the public may want to engage with the following:

Local Legislation

Accessible Business Entrance Ordinance (ABE): Ordinance 201934: Building Code - Mandatory Disability Access Improvements for Places of Public Accommodation - Extension of Time Deadlines. Status: Referred to Land Use and Transportation Committee

  • Presentation to MDC September 17, 2021
  • Legislation to extend ABE Program compliance deadlines by no more than two years.
  • Disability Community outreach yielded general support for this legislation

 

 Resolution: Creation of a “Beach to Bay” Car-Free Connection and Equitable Access to Golden Gate Park (Chan, Referral 210944) Status: Passed

  • This legislation is separate and distinct from the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program, which the MDC will be hearing as part of the October meeting.
  • The MDC may consider monitoring the progress of this resolution and any related implementation.

 

Shared Spaces Permanent Program: Referral 201284: Shared Spaces: Status PASSED https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/LI040621.pdf

  • The legislation passed with amendments directing maintenance of 8 feet path of travel where possible (and never less than 6 feet) and the development of a signage program to direct the public on how to file complaints, with ADA and fire life-safety enforcement to begin immediately.
  •  Permanent program design guidelines and an accompanying Department of Public Works Directors Order are in the final stages of review, and are expected to be released shortly.
  • The temporary program expires December 31, 2021, with the permanent program in effect January 1, 2022.
  • An update on this Item is currently scheduled to be heard at the November 19, 2021 MDC meeting.

 

Administrative Code - Housing Needs Assessment and Production Pipeline Reports - Seniors and People with Disabilities. Ordinance 0266-20.  Status: Passed

  • Led by Disability and Aging Services and with named collaboration from Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) and the Mayor’s Office on Disability (MOD), this legislation establishes two new reports focused on affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • An update on this Item is currently scheduled to be heard at the November 19, 2021 MDC meeting.

State Legislation

Bill to end subminimum wage for people with disabilities in California (SB 639)

  • The MDC may want to consider whether or not to write a letter of support for this bill.

Transportation Network Company (TNC) legislation: SB 1376: TNC Access for All Act is in pilot implementation phase. MOD, SFMTA and the County Transportation Authority (CTA) continue to be parties to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) comment proceeding, on the recommendation of the Mayor’s Disability Council.

  • The proceedings are ongoing, and are currently focused on Access Fund Offset Requirements

 

Local Disability Community Events:

October 14, 2021: First annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration

  • MOD attended, and highlighted the work of the MDC employment subcommittee. The Council may consider hearing an update from the subcommittee in an upcoming public meeting.

 

October 15-17, 2021: 35th Superfest (virtual) Disability Film Festival. Online, watch at your own pace, interactive live events. http://www.superfestfilm.com/superfest-2021

 

October 26, 2021: CA Master Plan for Aging Regional Forum: Ending Homelessness Among Seniors and People with Disabilities October 26 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (virtual)

 

Disability Community Resources

Rent Help and Eviction Protection: https://sf.gov/renthelp

 

COVID-19 Vaccines:

  • Third doses currently available for immunocompromised individuals, contact your health provider or pharmacy network
  • November 2021 launch of disability specific San Francisco vaccination clinic at LightHouse for the Blind
    • Discussions with DPH underway, dates to be announced soon. Would be open to all LightHouse clients and San Franciscans with disabilities
    • Home vaccination program is still available by contacting the Call Center. Focus is still on first doses. Individuals previously vaccinated through the Home Program who would like a third dose are currently placed on a wait list. Call (628) 217-6101 for more information.

 

Agenda Items for future MDC Hearing consideration, action, or resolution:

  • Better Market Street accessibility improvements update
  • Virtual public meeting participation for people with disabilities: post-Emergency Order continuation request
    • Community Alliance of Disability Advocates letter to the Mayor’s Office and City Administrator was forwarded to the MDC
    • Multiple City Departments are currently working on response.
    • Virtual meetings of the MDC will continue at least until December 31, 2021.
  • Empowered San Francisco Technology Needs Assessment for People with Disabilities and Older Adults: Expected release: Week of October 18, 2021
  • Summer Together and SF Rise Program update from the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
  • Golden Gate Access and Safety Program
    • On October 15 MDC agenda
    • MOD is actively engaged in the accessibility improvements and community outreach processes, including various virtual and in person open house events.