STATE COUNCIL AND FOUNDATION BOARD MEETINGS: San Diego, July 30
In order for delegates to attend and take part in the traditional Disability Independence Day festivities celebrating the tenth anniversary of ADA, meetings were held only on Sunday this time. As a result there was somewhat less business transacted, although much discussion took place.
STATE COUNCIL SUMMARY:
LEGISLATION
The Dare case was much discussed. The main focus was on the possibility of a settlement being achieved to keep it from going to US Supreme Court. See the Legislative Report for more detail.
Also the president was directed by a duly enacted motion to write letters to various congressmen and the Democratic National Committee expressing our opposition to HR 3590 which would require a 90-day notice be given to a person or business against which legal action may be sought charging a violation of Title III of the ADA. It is not entirely clear what the status of the bill is at the moment. A virtually identical bill introduced in the California Assembly, AB 2189, has been brought pretty much to a halt due in part to CDR' opposition.
LITIGATION
President Chris Elms announced that an ARCO suit is being settled which will produce damages payments to CDR and the San Diego chapter. The Council was also told that a settlement conference in the ETS (Educational Testing Service) matter is set for August 16. The Council also agreed that CDR should become a co-plaintiff in a case involving 19 issues of accessibility to the California courts for persons who have low vision or are blind.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
A suggestion that more reimbursement money be provided to State Council delegates for travel and hotel costs incurred in attending Council meetings was referred to the Budget Committee.
A revised budget for the year 2000 presented by the Budget Committee was approved.
A tentative schedule for the next three State Council meetings was approved. They will be held in conjunction with the three training workshops being funded by a grant to the CDR Foundation. The first will be in Fresno in late October, in the Greater Los Angeles area in January and in the San Francisco Bay Area in March or April.
MEETING OF THE CDR FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director Michael Dunne reported on his activities since March.
The Fundraising Committee is actively exploring many sources for funding such as "Planned Giving," and more extensive grant writing.
The Board discussed without a decision putting on workshops for architects, builders and planners on Title 24 of the California Building Code.
A committee will research possible links to include on CDR's website and criteria for such inclusion.The committee will also explore setting up a password-protected area of our website for confidential or members-only use.
Scholarship Committee recommended two winners who would split the $1,500 award. The Foundation Board endorsed the proposal and voted to increase the award to $1,000 each. See a separate story elsewhere in the edition of New World.
The Board also approved a revised Foundation budget for the year 2000.