Advisory Commission on Disabilities

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Community Needs Assessment Survey Results
Description
Meeting Information
Agendas and Minutes   

Community Needs Assessment Survey Results 

As part of the City of Naperville's FY10 strategic planning process, the ACD was tasked with conducting a survey to identify community assets as well as unmet service needs in the community, specifically for people with disabilities.

Survey Demographics
According to the 2006 American Community Survey, Naperville had 9,000+ residents with disabilities, approximately 7% of the population at that time.  A total of 270 resident surveys were completed as part of the ACD's 2009 Community Needs Assessment Survey, which represents about 3% percent of Naperville residents with disabilities.

The top three disabilities identified by survey respondents were Developmental Disabilities (50%), Communication Challenges (41%) and Orthopedic Impairments (24%).  Age groups were Children 0-20 (47%), Adults 21-65 (41%) and Seniors 65+ (8%).  Responses by zip code included 60540 (34%), 60565 (22%), 60563 (16%) and 60564 (14%).

Summary
Respondents ranked items based on both their level of need as well as their perception of its availability and accessibility to them.  (Attachments 1-4: Community Needs Assessment Survey, Written Comments, Demographics and Summary).  Based on our analysis of survey rankings and written comments, the following categories represent the greatest community assets and unmet needs or challenges as identified by survey respondents. 

Top Community Assets

1. Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)
2. Ride DuPage
3. School Districts 203 and 204
4. Libraries

Top Unmet Needs or Challenges

1. Accessing the community (insufficient PACE routes, accessible parking, doorways, sidewalks, navigating special events)
2. Employment opportunities (full/part-time competitive employment, job training, job coaching)
3. Recreational, social and fitness opportunities (disability awareness, accommodations, access)
4. Caregiver respite

Next Steps
Access to civic life by people with disabilities is a fundamental goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Access extends not only to physical access at government facilities, programs and events, but also to policies which ensure that all people with disabilities can take part in, and benefit from, the programs and services of our community. This strategic planning initiative was an important first step towards identifying the assets and needs in our community. The ACD hopes to continue working with staff on future strategic planning goals and initiatives. 

Description 

The ACD is an advisory commission to assist, inform and advise the administrative and elected officials of the city on all matters pertaining to discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Meeting Information

7 p.m.
First Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise indicated)
Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. 

For more information, call Accessibility Coordinator Marita Manning at (630) 420-6725 or e-mail manningm@naperville.il.us.

Agendas and Minutes