Espejo, Gina
To: Samantha Santana
Subject: RE: Comment for NSE Meeting 11/10 @ 1:30 p.m.
From: Samantha Santana
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2022 8:33 AM
To: Espejo, Gina <Gina.Espejo @sanjoseca.gov>
Subject: Comment for NSE Meeting 11/10 @ 1:30 p.m.
The following text below is sent in regards to item 6, CC 22-251, on the agenda for the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee meeting at 1:30 p.m. for Public Comment/Open Forum:
Hello, I am Sami Santana, an employee of AbilityPath. AbilityPath operates services within Santa Clara County for children and adults with disabilities. I am also a resident of San Jose.
In relation to item 6 on the agenda regarding funding for children and youth focused programs and services, it would be beneficial to allocate funds towards making the parks of San Jose more accessible to the population of people with disabilities. Currently, the Rotary Play Garden is the only fully accessible and inclusive playground within San Jose. The nearest accessible park after that is located in either Sunnyvale or Morgan Hill from the Magical Bridge Foundation.
According to page 18, there is approximately $719,000 remaining in the budget for improvements of child services and programming. For the remaining amount that was not allocated yet, we should consider updating parks with enough space to accommodate a new structure that would benefit children with disabilities. It is important for them to have access to outdoor facilities like other children so they can have the same enrichment experiences. I also noticed that children with disabilities were not mentioned in the memorandum, so it is not clear if they were included in the investments you made.
Thank you,
Samantha Santana (She/Her/Hers)
Recreation Therapy Intern
350 Twin Dolphin Dr., Suite 123, Redwood Shores, CA 94065 abilitypath.org
* abilitypath
INSPIRING INCLUSION
Via Services is now affiliated with AbilityPath, thriving together to provide a lifetime of opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more at abilitypath.orq/affiliationFAQ.
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