Disability Affairs Annual Report
Community & Economic Development Committee
Item (d)2
May 20, 2024
Presenters:
Sarah Zarate, Director
Raania Mohsen, Disability Affairs Officer
City of San José
City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations a.p.i.
Portfolio emerged from lessons learned during COVID-19 pandemic Budget Document submitted FY 2021-2022 by Councilmember Foley
City Council supported City Manager's Organizational Disability Assessment and budget appropriation in FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 New Disability Affairs Officer hired December 2022
Disability Affairs Portfolio
Background
2 City Council adopted Pledge, June 13, 2023
Prioritizes disability inclusion as a human
right and matter of equity
Rooted in the social model of disability –
What if our environment is what “disables”
people and not their functional limitations?
Disability Affairs Portfolio
Disability Inclusion Equity Pledge
3 Phase 1:
1. Build institutional awareness about disability inclusion
2. Support Disability Affairs organizationally (internal + external)
3. Improve accessibility in five areas across offices and departments:
Communications and information access
Community engagement
Physical access
Employment access
Shared data collection
Phase 2 objectives informed by Phase 1
Disability Affairs Portfolio
Guiding Objectives: A Phased Approach
4 Strengthen Data
Collection
Partner with
Community
Advance Policy &
Advocacy
Cultivate Proactive
Accessibility
Build Awareness
thru Education
& Training
Disability Affairs Portfolio
Strategic Framework: Fostering Inclusion & Equitable Opportunities 5 Disability Access Improvement Grant Program, funding up to $25,000 Al Fresco Parklet/Sidewalk Seating regulations and permit applications now includes “accessibility plan” as part of checklist for approval
Updated assistive technology devices for City Hall Tower Identified nearly $1 million in funding for Accessible Pedestrian Signal updates and internship opportunities for people with disabilities Provided guidance on Library upgrades to assistive technologies Developed ADA Mandatory Disclosure flyer for all business tax licensees per SB 748
Phase 1 in Action: Operationalize Pledge
Collaboration with Departments – Early Actions
6 7
Launched New Disability Access Improvement Grant Program Co-hosted with California Commission on Disability Access:
Listening Forum, August 31 + Webinar, December 11, 2023 • Serve as “go to” contact for disability affairs, internally and externally • Monitor ADA Grievance/Complaint Procedure and implementation • Partner with community by participating in 75+ meeting/events with key community members and organizations
• Monitor & track legislation and funding opportunities to improve life outcomes for people with disabilities
• Co-lead Disability Access Working Group of other government agencies to advance proactive approach to accessibility across region Phase 1 in Action: Operationalize Pledge
Other Activities
8 March 2023 November 2023 June 2024
Offer Training Pilots + Resources
that Build Staff Skills Intended Outcomes
Build
awareness
Resource
tools &
handbook
Employee
Surveys
Document
Review
Employee
Interviews
Accessibility
Improvements
to better serve
people with
disabilities
Engaging with Pilot
Departments
Advances Guiding Objectives
Phase 1 in Action: Operationalize Pledge
Gap Analysis (Pilot Departments), Training + Skill Building 9 • Community Meeting, April 18, 2024 – shared update and glossary of terms for input • Based on feedback, staff to include and collaborate on disability equity in policy work and strategy around:
• Inclusive programs, services for children
• Public safety and 911 alternate response
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Digital accessibility
• Advisory body of people with lived experience
• Staff attends regular community working group meetings re: public safety, emergency response, and governmental collaboration
Community Partnership & Feedback
10 Proposed Budget:
• Continues and makes permanent role of Disability Affairs Officer (Assistant to the City Manager)
• Integrates disability affairs into mission-aligned Office of Racial and Social Equity
If approved by City Council:
• Continue embedding and normalizing disability inclusion (Phase 2) • Prioritize collaboration and partnership with people with lived experience
Next Steps – City Manager's Proposed Budget
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
11 • Develop training curriculum to facilitate citywide disability awareness • Disseminate newly created tools and resources
• Streamline gap analysis across departments
• Continued collaboration with departments re: disability equity improvements • Review and update internal policies to ensure inclusion of people with disabilities / develop standardized procedures where needed
• Establish working group of Accessibility Liaisons (language + disability) across departments
• Launch update of citywide ADA Transition Plan
• Update RFP/contract language for 3rd party compliance w/ disability access laws Phase 2: Continue Building Capacity, Embedding Disability Inclusion Key Anticipated Initiatives FY 2024-2025
12 Disability Affairs Annual Report
Community & Economic Development Committee
Item (d)2
May 20, 2024
Presenters:
Sarah Zarate, Director
Raania Mohsen, Disability Affairs Officer
City of San José
City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations a.p.i.