APPROVED
MINUTES
UCLA COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Attended:
Chair:
Eileen Fowler
Community Rep:
Donna Bryan
Staff:
John Leary, Laura Mendoza, Alex Stavchanskiy
Undergrad Student Rep:
Serena Lee
Alumni:
Robert Werle
OSD & ADA/504:
Ed McCloskey
DCP:
Patrick Burke
Ashe Center:
Mark Ackerman
Ombuds:
Thomas Griffin
CAPS:
Ani Valtazarian
Recreation:
Dimitra Kuruppu
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm
Review of Minutes
A motion was made by Donna M. Bryan and seconded by Robert Werle, to approve the
November 11, 2012 minutes. Members agreed unanimously.
Chairperson Eileen Fowler announced that Lisa Mueller would no longer attend UCOD meetings
but that she will assist with other activities until her graduation from UCLA in June 2013..
Eileen Fowler discussion was on the UCOD website. She received some pictures of members to
be placed on the site and encouraged other members who wanted their picture taken to see her
after the meeting.
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Dimitra Kuruppu agreed to be the Chair of Programs and Activity subcommittee, Dimitra is the
Adaptive Recreation representative at the Recreation Center.
The invitation went out for members who are willing to Chair the Communications and
Membership subcommittees, to talk with Eileen Fowler.
Guest Speaker
Steven Kapp is a PhD student in educational psychology, a Graduate Student and Youth Intern at
the Tarjan Center. He mentioned that he worked extensively on consulting about the diagnostic
criteria for autism spectrum disorder. He is the co-director of the UCLA chapter.
The UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills is a social skills
training intervention for young adults. It has a strong evidence-base for use with teens and young
adults with autism spectrum disorders. It is also appropriate for teens and young adults with
ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional problems
Autism is a neurodevelopmental syndrome, with a complex genetic etiology. It is not clear
whether autism comprises a vast collection of different disorders akin to intellectual disability or
a few disorders sharing common unusual pathways. Unifying principles among cases of autism
are likely to be at the level of brain circuitry, in addition to molecular pathways.
Steve mentioned that he helped to form the youth advisory committee and that he is member. He
added that he tried to have evidence-based ways that are respectful and helpful to improve
people’s quality of life, in terms of adaptive functioning, education, employment, relationship
etc.
He mentioned the higher education act, the federal legislation that made college accessibly for
people with intellectual disability by provided funding. He added that most people with
developmental disabilities are not working in the way they would like, and earning sub minimum
wage. He went on to say that, there is too much focus on IQ instead of adaptive functioning.
Staff rep resolution – UCOD now has four staff representatives.
Web Accessibility – Chairperson mentioned that she has begun drafting a response, regarding
the lack of sensitivity for the removal of the accessibility logo, from the UCLA website.
Campus Reports:
Kathy Molini retired, but will continue as an advisor on the committee.
CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services) – Ani Vartazarian conveyed that in the past
students would call to make appointments or walk in, if they had an emergency. CAPS now
have screening process for fifteen minutes, which will help to schedule students with urgent
concerns.
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If a student walks in, he/she will get an in person screening appointment. The counseling is for
about six to eight sessions, but students with additional needs are secured with longer-term
treatment options. The crisis line is available after 5pm until 8am the following day.
Disability and Computing Program
Patrick Burke reported that the UC web accessibility conference, set websites on each campus
and that the report should come out this week, their intention is meet with CAO’s on each
campus to discuss the reports and findings.
Patrick added that they are continuing with the accessibility policy, but that it is moving slowly
because they are waiting on various groups to sign off.
OSD Report
Ed McCloskey reported that OSD made changes because they were inundated with students who
wanted to have ADHD/ADD screenings. The office will no longer spend an hour with that
process. OSD will now have walk in clinics where students will meet with health services to
answer few questions and they will be directed to the where they can go for screening.
UCLA Recreation:
Dimitra Kuruppu conveyed that the warm water exercise classes offered through the adaptive
programs has started and she encouraged members to sign up. The SOAR program for kids
twelve to nineteen starting date, is next Saturday.
Adaptive programs are opened to anyone not just students or those that are disabled and the
programs are offered for free or at a low cost. This quarter they are offering hand cycling,
wheelchair basketball, Aceing Autism tennis program (for kids), adaptive yoga, wheelchair
hockey. Recreation also offers warm water exercise classes at South Pool in the rehabilitation
building, pre/post natal aqua classes, aqua yoga, and arthritis classes. These classes are great for
those who want low impact exercise.
Other Presentation:
Laura Mendoza distributed handouts on accessibility regarding manual & electric wheelchairs
and people with crutches. Laura main concern is getting around campus; she researched other
campuses, and mentioned that some campuses have transportation for faculty, staff, and students.
She suggested that UCLA implement a systemwide policy for transportation for student, staff,
and faculty with disabilities.
Laura added that the OSD van offers transportation to students and this cost is covered by
student fees, but it is not available for staff and faculty. She mentioned that Risk Management
Office offers taxi vouchers, but that the department is responsible for the payment.
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The Residential Hall is an issue for Laura she is not able to go up the hill, also getting to Covel
was difficult, because she was unable to find an entrance with a ramp. She also mentioned the
Faculty Center because the doors are not automatic.
Laura stated that UC Davis has a golf cart service that UCLA could emulate, which provides
intra campus rides for eligible staff, faculty, and students with disabilities.
Jim McGlynn discussion was on the Pathway map and the overlays. Ed McCloskey agreed to
look into finding more information about the Pathway map and the overlays.
Chairperson Eileen suggested learn at lunch with the Staff Assembly during Disability
Awareness Week regarding sensitivity about disability, physical access, etc..
Meeting adjourned at 3:30pm
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