NYS Independent Living Council, Inc.

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Minutes for the NYSILC Transportation and Voting Committee 7/24/2007

Attendees: Cliff Perez, Anita Cameron, Lisa Tarricone, Charlie Reichardt, Joe Adler, Stephanie Mielnik, Cynthia Fiore, Patrick Muller, Jane, Meghan Schoeffling Michael O'Brien,

Cliff opened the meeting by posing the question of how to deal with the issue of transportation to polling places for people with disabilities.
Charlie informed the group that, according to CIDNY, the machines that were available last year will not be available this year. People will have to vote using a paper ballot.
Cliff stated that we should focus on the issue of transportation and that we should find out from the Board of Elections how they plan to address this problem. He pointed out the importance of making sure to speak to the right person so that you do not get conflicting information. Stephanie suggested that advocates put these inquiries in writing.
Anita reported that Monroe County BOE has stated that they will provide transportation but still has not heard a specific plan on how they are going to do this.
Joe suggested that we request an action alert similar to the one NYAIL put out last year. The action alert would request that advocates contact their local Board of Elections to find out how they are going to address the issue of transportation to the polling places.
Cliff reminded the committee the importance of keeping up a good relationship with the Board of Elections.
Lisa told the group that she has been involved in the trainings for election inspectors and suggested that other advocates may want to do the same.
Anita is having difficulty working with her B OE to allow people with disabilities to work at the polls.
Stephanie suggested that people go to their county's website to get information on public transportation, schedules should be provided.
Joe suggested that we reach out to local senior groups; they have vehicles and are powerful as a group. Although they are often reluctant to work with the disability community; we have common needs. Joe also suggested that if there are Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NORC, in your communities, they would be a good resource as well. Joe said that he could be a link to these communities.
Cliff reminded the committee the importance of keeping up a good relationship with the Board of Elections. Lisa told the group that she has been involved in the trainings for election inspectors and suggested that other advocates may want to do the same. Anita is having difficulty working with her B OE to allow people with disabilities to work at the polls. Stephanie suggested that people go to their county's website to get information on public transportation, schedules should be provided. Joe suggested that we reach out to local senior groups; they have vehicles and are powerful as a group. Although they are often reluctant to work with the disability community; we have common needs. Joe also suggested that if there are Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NORC, in your communities, they would be a good resource as well. Joe said that he could be a link to these communities.
Joe brought up the importance of getting someone from NYC to join the call next time, they would have unique needs. Cliff will contact someone from Para Transit in NYC. He will also contact someone from the Dept. of Aging and try to get an action alert out to SSAN.
Stephanie will compile a list of resources. By next meeting, all advocates will contact their local BOE.

The next meeting will be held on August 21 at 1:30 pm.