New wheelchair accessible van, special equipment available for events, feedback session for City website, commission meeting
City of Alameda ADA Coordinator Lilian Jewell announced this week that the Housing and Human Services Division [1] (HHS) of the City Manager’s Office recently purchased a wheelchair accessible van to conduct engagement and outreach with individuals in the community.
[2]HHS program staff can use the van to transport clients to appropriate shelter and serve clients with wheelchair and other accessibility needs, Jewell said. The van can accommodate two wheelchairs at a time and opens from the rear allowing for easy entry and exit.
If you spot the van out in the community, give the driver a wave!
Special equipment rental for events
If you’re hosting an event at one of Alameda’s parks or facilities, Alameda Recreation & Parks Department (ARPD) is now offering a new piece of accessible equipment available to rent. ARPD also has an electric lift that can be attached to most stages to allow easy access for people with mobility aids or limitations.
To find out more information about hosting events in Alameda or renting the stage lift, visit ARPD’s Rent a Space [4] webpage or email ARPD at [email protected] [5].
City of Alameda website testing & feedback session
The City is making frequent improvements to the official website content and usability. Test it out and share your opinions on how it’s working.
ADA Coordinator Jewell invites you to a user-experience session in the computer lab at Mastick Senior Center [6], 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Room C, on November 19, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Share your feedback, get answers to your questions, and help the City improve accessibility for all online users. All tech skill levels are welcome.
Please register online [7] in advance. If you use assistive tech, please email [email protected] [8] to ensure compatibility for the session.
Commission on Persons with Disabilities meeting
The Commission on Persons with Disabilities advises the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and other City boards and commissions on issues pertaining to the disability community in Alameda. This includes creating an environment in which community members with disabilities have equal access to programs, housing, facilities, and services, and helping foster attitudes and behaviors that respect and value persons with disabilities.
The next Commission meeting is Wednesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, in the Council Chambers on the third floor.
Planned agenda items include an overview of relevant building codes and the in-process Emergency Operations Plan. Participate as a member of the public to advocate and offer insight about areas of impact to our disabled community.
To forward information to Commissioners or get answers to any questions about the Commission, please call ADA Coordinator Lilian Jewell at 510-747-7961 or email [email protected] [8].
Awareness in November
November is National Family Caregivers Month [9]. For families impacted by developmental, physical, or medical disabilities, caregiving is often an integral part of the relationship. Family Caregivers provide safe, loving care so that their family members thrive.
If you are a caregiver in need of support or resources, check out a Caregiver Support Group [10] meeting at Mastick Senior Center or visit the California Caregiver Resource Center [11] website.
ADA Transition Plan
Are you curious about what’s in the City’s ADA Transition Plan? Alameda went through an extensive process of community input, physical site assessments, and program audits to compile the Plan. It was published for the public in 2024 and guides our priorities today.
Read, print, or download the ADA Self Evaluation Transition Plan [12].