Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present Billy Jo Adams, Chairperson Anthony Arellano, Pam Heavens, Kim Hudgens, Gary Jones, Riley Spreadbury, Sherry Voight, Steven Voight and John Jamontas

Absent Veronica Pollard

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

None

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Discussion: Transportation - Elizabeth Gonzalez with PACE Bus Service will speak about Disability informed transportation; Routes, Safety, and Reliability. TMP-8461

Elizabeth Gonzalez discusses the services that PACE offers for the ADA Para-transit and Dial a Ride Program. Other services include RTA Reduced fare card for disabled individuals or 65 and older, and Free Ride Passes. Applications are available for these passes through Illinois Benefit Access Program at illinois.gov. New PACE routes can be viewed on the Ventra or CTA Transit App.

Discussion: Federal Changes to ADA Compliance Measures TMP-8462

The Committee discusses the removal of 11 pieces of guidelines to the Americans with Disabilities Act, effecting ADA related guidance to local businesses and hotels. The guidance removed can be viewed at the Department of Justice website at: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-actions-combat-co st-living-crisis-including-rescinding-11#:~:text=The%20Justice%20Department% 20today%20announced,guidance%20to%20streamline%20Americans%20with

Discussion: Disability Hiring/Employment Advocacy within local Agencies

The Committee has a discussion around advocating and overcoming TMP-8463

stereotypes for hiring of persons with disabilities within the local community. Discussion: July Disability Fair Updates TMP-8464

The Disability Pride Fair is scheduled to take place Saturday July 26th at Bicentennial Park 11am to 4pm to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service providers, additional resources, and inclusive activities/music will be available.

Discussion: Communications Department Pamphlet Update TMP-8465

A brochure has been drafted by the City’s Communications Department to include the Committee’s achievements and mission statement. This draft will be reviewed by the Committee further for more input.

PUBLIC COMMENT

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

None.

ADJOURNMENT

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2025/4/2389_M_Committee_on_Citizens_with_Disabilities_25-04-15_Meeting_Minutes.pdf