Salem Commission on Disability October 21, 2008
Meeting began at 4pm
Those in attendance: Jean Levesque, Jean Harrison, Jack Harris, David Martel, David Tracht, Michael Taylor, Charles Reardon, David Moisan, Andy LaPointe, Deborah Lobsitz.
Guest Speaker: Biff Michaud, The Salem Witch Museum
Biff began by applauding the Mayor for her support for attractions such as The Witch Museum; The Museum Mall is at full capacity, the quality of the stores down town has improved, the movie theatre at the Mall is viable, etc.
Jack Harris praised Biff for prioritizing handicap accessibility at the museum over the years and asked him why he, more than anyone else in the city, felt this effort was important.
Biff replied that it stemmed from the fact that his brother, Eric, was born with mild Downs Syndrome. Despite the disability, Eric has thrived and been productive over the years with love and family support. Biff’s father, Commander Alex Michaud, on occasion championed those with special needs and encouraged his family to do likewise. Biff does not like the word “handicap” and emphasized his father’s questioning of handicapped vs. normal and putting labels on people.
The Witch Museum is almost 30 years old housed in a building that is 165 years old.
It is one of only seven buildings in the Commonwealth that has been exempt from local ordinances because of its endeavors on behalf of the handicapped. Over the years the following improvements have been done:
Accessible elevators
The wheelchair accessible symbol and the “T” symbol on informational material
Railings
Handicap bathrooms
Clipboards with lights and “signers” to assist the visually and hearing impaired
The museum is considering introducing Braille
Overall, the Museum has spent $2,000,000 over the years to improve the building and eliminate barriers.
One of the advantages of the improvements is that his insurance has been kept low.
Biff was asked if other businesses in the city have asked for his advice on this subject. His answer was, “No.” He wished that they would seek his advice. Making the improvements has made his business more successful and the museum gets accolades from people who visit from all over the world. He feels his museum brings Salem’s history to life and is more culturally oriented than other attractions in the city.
He used the terms “awareness” and “putting value to mankind” when discussing the potential for extended tourism in the city. He feels that any contribution he makes, either
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financially or innovatively, will enhance the city’s chances of bringing in more people. He highlighted The House of Seven Gables, the National Park Service improvements and the addition of the Salem Ferry as other establishments that make the city a special place to visit. Also, the fact that the MBTA has added more trains to accommodate the needs of potential visitors.
When asked what Salem can do to promote sites such as The Witch House and Pioneer Village, Biff said the city must emphasize the historical importance of both places. The Witch House being the home of Judge Corwin and Pioneer Village exploring the lives of people living in the 16th and 17th centuries. Basically, we have to bring more of our history to life. Telling the right story is how he described how he feels. He mentioned the tag line, “Salem in 1630” with regard to Pioneer Village and having a telephone number, i.e., 978-741-1630 to call to get information.
Jack Harris added that connection and understanding financing are telling the story. The Commission has tried to work with the City of Salem and developers to get the job done but have to be sensitive to both sides.
Biff answered that the decision and will to spend money is important. Quality is important. Satisfying the imagination is important.
David Tracht had visited The Witch Museum recently and praised Biff for the excellent presentation.
Jack Harris thanked Biff for coming to the meeting and for his passion regarding the history of Salem. Because there is passion to make the city more accessible, the Commission has grown from 2 to 9 people. The Commission will endeavor to make The Witch House and Pioneer Village more popular and accessible. With the help of people like Biff, they hope to continue to be successful. The final comment from Biff was, “It’s not good unless it’s right,” and making the right decisions from the beginning is imperative. In closing, Jack said that the Mass Commission on Disabilities wanted to thank Biff for passes for their recent conference attendees.
Before departing, Biff praised the Commission for its hard work and accomplishments. They have made the “right” decisions.
UPDATES
Regarding sidewalks/curb cuts, Jason Silva called to say that the Independent Living Center will be filing a complaint as well as The K of C. They are asking that the repairs be done by next week. David Martel said that part of the problem is that maintenance of brick sidewalks is costly. However, the issue will be addressed and a list of sites that
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need help must be organized. David Moisan also mentioned finishing work at the library and Federal St.
50 Freedom Hollow is going forward with projects. They were in compliance.
Bypass road variance hearing is December 10. AAB called to look at variances. David Knowlton can’t sign off until the work is done.
Jaho Coffeehouse on Derby St. is going forward with Wharf St. property. It is not accessible. Present site is accessible but Wharf St. site is not.
116 Highland Avenue is renovating the 2nd floor. The elevator is not fully accessible. A variance has been requested. The building is 36 years old and has not been renovated since it was built.
NEW BUSINESS
Sovereign Bank’s access to the front and back door was discussed. There is no signage.
The ATM is not accessible and there are other issues as well, i.e., lighting, maintenance and the bank have to be open to get into the lobby. A site visit was suggested.
Andy LaPointe gave a demonstration of the Prodigy Glucose Monitor for the visually impaired. It checks averages, sets the date/time and when you take the test, it adds the result to the data base. David Martel took the test to demonstrate its effectiveness. The monitor was purchased at LS&S Group. You can contact www.neighborhooddiabeties.com to get more information or call 1-800-937-3028 and ask for Jennifer Clark. They will come to your home to
calibrate your device. You can also contact Andy on his pod cast. The cost is $93 with tax. But the price will be coming down. Andy said he is not a representative but thought it was important to discuss for informational purposes. Education is imperative and all diabetics should have safety nets.
It was mentioned that the Commonwealth is making budget cuts and to go to their site to check on what organizations will be losing funds. Home care will probably be cut.
David Moisan asked that his blog is available.
Meeting ended at 5:30pm.
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