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Mayor’s Disability Council Meeting
Commemorating the 1977 "504" Sit-In
Thirty Years: From U.N. PLAZA TO THE U.N.
Minutes
20 April 2007
1 ROLL CALL
Mayor’s Disability Council Members Present: Raphaella Bennin, Norma Block, Jack Fagan, Sarah Estes Merrell, Richard Ow, Tatiana Kostanian, Jul Lynn Parsons, Denise Senhaux, Amy Wishnie and F. Ross Woodall.
Excused Absent: Elizabeth Grigsby
Mayor’s Office on Disability: Susan Mizner, Director; Joanna Fraguli, Ken Stein, Program Administrator; and Howard O. Wong, Council Clerk.
Jack Fagan, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.
2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The Council approved the agenda of the April 20, 2007 MDC Meeting.
3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The Council approved the Minutes from the March 16, 2007 MDC Meeting.
4 REPORT FROM THE CO-CHAIRS
Co-Chair Parsons welcomed and introduced two new MDC members, Raphaella Bennin and Sarah Estes Merrell. Council Member Bennin described herself as a person with dyslexia. She stated that she has been involved with disability rights for many years. She is currently working as an ADA Coordinator for the Golden Gate University Law School.
Council Member Merrell described herself as an activist for disability rights her entire life. She stated that most of her experiences come from working in secondary and post-secondary schools. She is currently working as a high school counselor in San Francisco. Council Member Merrell has a particular interest in working with people who have learning disabilities.
5 REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE ON DISABILITY
Ms. Mizner reported on the following:
- Training for City’s staff on the ADA is being facilitated by Joanna Fraguli, MOD’s Deputy Director for Programmatic Access and Mariam Morley from the City Attorney’s office. It is geared toward directors and managers of several different City departments. Mayor Newsom and City Attorney Herrera have both instructed staff to attend this training.
- The 311 Call Center was launched several weeks ago. 311 provide the public with information or will direct your call to the proper department and/or staff. The 311 Call Center is currently working on problems relating to software to handle TTY calls. To reach a 311 operator via TTY for now, one has to dial 701-2323. They are in the process of working on enabling direct calls to 311 for TTY callers.
- The update on Saturday Street Closures at Golden Gate Park is that a compromise agreement has been reached for Saturdays, in which half the portion of JFK, west of the DeYoung, is closed for half of the year. The proponents and opponents of the closure have agreed that the closed areas must be accessible to people with disabilities. Mayor Newsom reassured the community that there will be no additional closures until the accessibility features are reviewed, and approved by MOD.
6 “504” SIT-IN 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION
Co-Chair Fagan gave a brief introduction to the 504 Sit-In agenda item. He read a letter from 7th District Congressman George Miller from the House of Representatives. The Congressman stated his regrets for his absence, but sends his congratulations to people with disabilities for their continued commitment to individual’s rights and the need for change.
Ken Stein, MOD’s Program Administrator, spoke briefly about the history of the “504 Sit-In”, and of the importance of understanding the past in order to prepare for the present. He introduced a film on the history of the “504 Sit-In”.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Mayor Gavin Newsom thanked the disability community for being here and celebrating a milestone in the disability civil rights movement that began here in San Francisco. He stated that the 504 demonstration 30 years ago helped make numerous, positive changes. However, he acknowledged that there is still more to do including worldwide recognition of the rights of people with disabilities. Mayor Newsom also provided formal recognition of the importance of the “504 Sit-In” by proclaiming, April 20th, “Section 504 Disabilities Rights Day in San Francisco” (see attached).
Judy Heumann, Leader of the Organizing Committee for the “504” Sit-In and former Board Member of the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD), stated that the “504” commemoration is an important part of the history of the disability rights movement. She spoke about the profound effect it had on many people regardless of their degree of disability. She said that while there are new challenges to face, she is optimistic that with support and unity, we can accomplish anything.
Gerald Baptiste, Deputy Director, Center for Independent Living, stated that “504” has empowered many people with disabilities and led to the passage of the ADA. Also, that it has resulted in a great deal of additional disability rights legislation, but there is still a lot to be done.
Paul Longmore, Professor of History at San Francisco State University, stated that the history of “504” is important because learning about the heritage and legacy of who have come before us sets precedents and provides role models and established principles that can help guide us into the future.
Herb Levine, Executive Director of the SF Independent Living Resource Center and a “504” Sit-In participant, spoke about how “504” brought the disability community together regardless of their degree of disability, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. He said that the struggle for disability rights continues today in regard to issues such as Laguna Honda.
Silvia Yee, Staff Attorney of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), spoke about the relationship between civil rights and human rights in regard to disability rights. She said that as we age and as people with disabilities integrate into society, having a disability or chronic illness becomes more and more “normal.” She stated that with the UN convention, the principles embodied in “504” have moved onto the national stage.
Elizabeth Grigsby sent a statement outlining how the success of “504” provided her the opportunity to be mainstreamed in public school. She added that the fight continues.
Reverend Cecil Williams, Glide Memorial Church, was unable to attend due to illness. Co-Chair Fagan noted that Glide Memorial Church was one of the community organizations that provided food and other essential supports to the “504 Sit-In” participants.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bruce Allison, Director of Seniors Organizing Seniors, stated that he participated in the 504 Sit-In and continues to work with the disability community today. He is currently working on a project to provide accessible mobile homes for seniors and people with disabilities.
Jim Gonsalves spoke about his experiences as one of the demonstrators. He thanked all of the other activists and said that the “504 Sit-In” brought access to employment for him and others.
Mira Ingram spoke about how inspired she was watching the film on the “504 Sit-In”, and said that it encourages her to continue to fight for the rights for people with disabilities.
Naomi Finkelstein said that she is thankful for the actions of the activists in the “504 Sit-In” because it provided her access to rehabilitation services.
Kent Mickelson, Center for Independence of the Disabled, Independent Living Center, stated how pleased he was to be in the same room with the many advocates and activists who were part of the “504 Sit-In”. He encouraged us all to keep on fighting for civil rights.
Sgt. Michael Sullivan, SF Police Department, had been working as a police officer for only two months when the “504 Sit-In” occurred. He described himself as a person with a disability due to an on the job injury. He said that he has been the ADA Coordinator for his department for the last 14 years, and that it has been honor to work with, and be a part of, the disability community.
Vanessa Proee announced an upcoming Disability Action Network Meeting.
Jessica Lehman, Independent Living Resource Center in Hayward, thanked all the people who were involved in the “504 Sit-In”. She stated that she was born the year of the “504” demonstration, and as a result, growing up, she had full access to education, community programs and employment.
Tim Flannagan shared his own experiences as a participant in the “504 Sit-In” in Washington, DC. He reminded all that there were “504” demonstrations in other parts of the country as well.
Jerry Grace stated that demonstrations like the “504 Sit-In” are helpful and said that he would like to participate in future demonstrations to continue to fight for people with disabilities.
Sylvia Johnson stated there is a need for more services for people with disabilities.
Joanna Fraguli stated that she was 5 years old when the 504 demonstration occurred. She was in Greece during that time and fighting her own battle to mainstream in a regular school. Ms. Fraguli stated that movements like this are important because they come from a place of activism and continuing struggle.
Vanessa Castro thanked everybody who was in the “504 Sit-In”. She said that it was inspiring and encouraged the community to keep fighting for civil rights.
Robert Allemand shared his own recollections of his participation in the “504 Sit-In”. He said many federal employees and the union supported their cause. Mr. Allemand thanked Ken Stein for organizing today’s program and for his many years of service to the disability community.
7 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
Michele Magar provided a recap and progress report on the United Nations (UN) Treaty from the previous MDC March Meeting. Ms. Magar stated that there are many people with disabilities from around the world who participated in this process and participated in the International Disability Caucus to work on furthering the cause to protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities. This group has been educating the delegates at the UN to develop a treaty that will provide access to education, the right to marry and many other rights to ensure non-discrimination based on disability. They are currently seeking ratification. Ms. Magar urged the Council to adopt the proposed resolution (see attached) supporting the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. A vote was taken by MDC Members to support the resolution. It passed unanimously.
8 MAYOR’S DISABILITY COUNCIL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE – CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
Co-Chair Fagan announced that in July the MDC will be presenting awards of excellence to three individuals, city departments and/or organizations for their work and contribution in the disability community. The deadline for nominations is June 29, 2007. For more information or a copy of the nomination form, contact the Mayor’s Office on Disability at (415) 554-6789 (voice), (415) 554-6799 (TTY) and/or e-mail at [email protected]
9 PUBLIC COMMENT
Ed Evans, Community Leadership Alliance, announced that his group is in the process of developing a Tenderloin Disability Council. He stated that they will be working on issues and concerns pertinent to people with disabilities living in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. For more information, contact Mr. Evans at (415) 346-6469.
10 CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
11 COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
Council Member Woodall announced that the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be having a forum on new technology that is available for persons with visually impairments to use cell phones, scheduled for May 9th. For more information, their website is www.lighthouse-sf.org or call 1-888-430-8933.
He also announced the SF Gay Men’s Chorus will be having a concert at Davies Symphony Hall on April 30th. He stated that this organization actively supports civil rights, including disability rights.
12 AJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:05PM