Florence will offer ADA information at meeting
On behalf of Florence City Council, American Disability Act officer Del Leeds will host an informative meeting at 6 p.m. June 22 at Florence city building.
The meeting will be a chance for disabled, handicapped, and senior citizens in Florence to ask questions about concerns or mobility problems they may have. Since the city is hosting the program, Leeds will keep most of the information relevant to issues regarding city and public properties.
However members of the private sector and non-handicapped individuals are encouraged to attend. The issues that affect a few also will have some impact on the general population of the community.
"I envision the ideal meeting to be an orderly discussion of ADA issues that people have," said Leeds. "My goal and that of the mayor and council, is to make Florence's government programs, buildings, parks, and public areas as ADA-friendly as we can."
Leeds said the meeting would be taped and transcribed. It will be included in a future evaluation Leeds will present in response to a request by council.
Incidental to the meeting will be the compilation of a list of individuals in Florence known to have mobility problems or handicaps. That list will be the database for specific assistance in case of disaster and will be included in the city's disaster plan. Provisions will be made for periodic updates.
Leeds is hoping representatives or administrators of Florence Library, Carriage Manor, city pool, Florentines, Harvey House, and other facilities enjoyed by people with handicaps will be in attendance.
The meeting is part of the city's ADA comprehensive plan. Leeds was first appointed ADA compliance officer in 1999.
