Our Charter:
To promote the awareness of disability issues, and the work of the Dearborn Commission of Disability Concerns, using print and broadcast media, the internet and through other community resources. We will be an advocate and resource for education, public awareness and training regarding disability concerns in the City of Dearborn.
1. Media releases announcing the Pathway to Possibilities and other Commission work in the Dearborn Back Fence, local newsprint, CDTV, both the City and Commission websites, and other community resources.
* Dearborn Back Fence, local English newsprint, CDTV, and both the city and commission websites.
* Arabic language publications.
* Dearborn Chamber of Commerce.
* Flyer Distribution.
* Arabic radio stations.
* Email list.
* City Calendar
* Flyer in Water Bills
* Neighborhood groups
* Vendor/organization mailing lists/newsletters
2. To focus on Arab-American outreach regarding disability issues.
* Attending Arabic festival in June
* Getting acquainted with the parent groups
* Visiting schools to speak about the Commission so that educators and parents are aware of the Commission
* Translating the resource list into Arabic
4. To oversee the maintenance and updating of content for the Commission website.
* Provide updated content for our web page.
* Clarify coordination with City Website.
5. To assist the City to improve and maintain effective communication between residents and city departments.
* Promote access to city programs and services.
* Maintain effective 911/TTY services.
* Promote closed/open captioning on CDTV.
* Promote use of interpreters for the deaf, assistive listening devices for the hard of hearing, and real time captioning for city events and programs.
* Promote alternative formats in reading materials, telecommunications, appropriate signage in city facilities, and accessible computer services on the city web sites.
6. To support and preplan the activities of Disability Awareness Day in conjunction with the DAD Task Force
* Distribute flyers for recognition awards
* Recruit presenters for workshops as needed
* Recruit volunteers to assist activities as needed
7. To create and maintain a local educational resource list and a collection of informational materials related to persons with disabilities.
* List, update, and expand resource list and informational materials
* Update website materials in coordination with ADA coordinator
* Investigate and consider other methods and formats of distribution for information
8. To advocate for full participation of Dearborn citizens with disabilities in Dearborn’s educational programs and city services.
9. To advocate for policies/practices which promote the city’s recruitment and employment of citizens with disabilities.
10. To establish relationships and offer information and services to city organizations such as service clubs, Neighborhood clubs, universities and the Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of education and awareness of disability concerns.
11.To assist the City of Dearborn to prepare for future emergency events in order to assure safety for persons with disabilities.
* Update pertinent information to enclose in a pamphlet or post on a website that will assist people with disabilities in emergency situations.
* Explore having Red Cross presentations in conjunction with the city to prepare for emergency situations that include handling of persons with disabilities.
Chair: Dessa Cosma
