Capi - Committee to advocate for persons with impairments

Every day presents us all with unique challenges. Try to imagine what getting ready for your day would be like if you didn’t have use of your eyes, legs, arms, or the complete use of your brain. Think about how you would button a shirt or pour a cup of coffee. According to the 2010 Census, nearly 50 million Americans live with a disability and they face these challenges each and every day Hi, I’m Cliff Michaelsen. I’m just one of the millions of people in this nation who have a disability. Some disabilities are not as visible as mine, but they are still daily challenges to be overcome. Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilties Act recognizes those living with disabilities will enjoy equal access; like pursuing a professional career, enjoying the beach, having adequate transportation or even being able to live in and access a place to live. Fortunately, the people of the City of St. Petersburg recognized that equal access is not only a legal requirement, but a moral one too. The Mayor and City Council developed a special committee in 1972; 18 years before the Federal Government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is called CAPI, a special committee whose letters stands for the Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments. CAPI’s purpose is to advocate, advise, and formulate positions on issues facing persons with disabilities. CAPI helps provide guidance relative to the concerns, rights, special needs and dignity of those people to ensure that they are able to participate and enjoy all of the city’s facilities, programs, and services. Recommendations from the committee are sent to the City Council and Mayor, those that enforce and uphold our laws. With this mission, CAPI has a limited budget to pursue accessibility projects. Where does CAPI’s funding come from? Well, the volunteer road patrol helps the police department by tagging cars and trucks that are illegally parked in disabled parking spots. A portion of the fines collected help CAPI pursue its mission throughout the City of St. Petersburg Let’s take a look at just some of the things CAPI has accomplished. Without the recommendations of CAPI, people with mobility impairments may not have had access to many recreational programs. Imagine a family at a playground, enjoying a musical or play, getting ready to watch the Grand Prix, or even a boat ramp, just before a day on the pristine waters of Tampa Bay. Are these things only for those lucky enough to not have been in a tragic accident, or born with a birth defect? Of course not. A decade ago, there were only a handful of playgrounds accessible for all abilities. Now, the city of St. Petersburg has converted 50 and the number is growing. Access to recreational facilities can be found throughout the city such as swimming pools, Blue Way trails, golf courses and the sailing center. Getting the word out about what is available for those with disabilities is an important job of CAPI. Another service provided by the committee is training workshops. Topics of the workshops include accessibility, disability sensitivity, and emergency preparedness. Training has been made available to city staff, area attractions, and community leaders. CAPI helps coach public defenders and emergency workers on how to do their best to make sure those with physical and mental disabilities are taken care of. Each and every one of us should be very proud that this organization exists and helps to build a vibrant and inclusive community. Regular meetings are conducted at City Hall on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 PM. Time for public comment is provided at every meeting. Please call the Community Affairs Division at (727-893-7345) for more information about meetings or to request a reasonable accommodation. On behalf of CAPI and the leaders of our community, we give you our grateful thanks for the opportunity to serve those who rely on our gifts to help others.