This article is reprinted with permission from RINewsToday

July 24, 2021/RINewsToday

Exclusive to RINewsToday

By Bob Cooper, Executive Secretary, RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities

Friday July 23rd was the last day people with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 complications are able to safely participate on local and state government boards and commissions, via the telecommunication devices (Zoom, MS Teams, telephone).

The COVID Executive Order that allowed the use of telecommunication devices by members of local and state government boards and commissions expired.

Within the community of people with disabilities, there is fear of going back to in-person meetings while the COVID Delta Variant is present and is capable of infecting already vaccinated people.

Do we resign from a government board to protect our health? Do we take the chance that everyone attending a meeting is not only vaccinated but hasn’t become a “breakthrough” carrier?

“From a nurse’s viewpoint and a member of the Governors Vaccination committee, I am opposed. I would not have felt this way at the beginning of July, but have since reconsidered it. With the numbers soaring again, it will endanger people who could be vulnerable. Your group [Governor’s Commission on Disabilities] is a perfect example of that vulnerability. Many people fearful of this escalation will not attend as they would on Zoom. Again it would be harmful to rescind this order” said Kathleen Heren, Rhode Island State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

Deb Kney of Advocates in Action observed, “The fact is, there’s really no way to know who is vaccinated, and who isn’t, so why risk people who may have compromised immune systems? I say that from a professional point of view, but also as someone who’s immunocompromised. I also know from experience over the previous year that we’ve had a higher attendance rate at public meetings than in previous years with in-person meetings. If nothing else, Zoom helped us take on that age-old LACK OF TRANSPORTATION issue that so many of the people we work with, and for, are forced to deal with day to day.”

Tina G. Pedersen, RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress, President / CEO / Founder said, “I believe there should be a hybrid model, for I see pros and cons on either side. I also think it should be a guideline of space for meetings. Example, the conference room at the GCD (Governor’s Commission on Disabilities) does not allow space to distance with all of us [present] and mobility devices. With the Delta Variant, and some unvaccinated, this is a very big risk to some.”

The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities has limited authority to “[g]rant a waiver that allows a member to participate by electronic communication or telephone communication only if the member’s disability would prevent him/her from being physically present at the meeting location, and the use of such communication is the only reasonable accommodation”.

The Commission is seeking comments as it develops guidance regarding the medical conditions that would not allow a member of a public body from attending meetings “solely by reason of his or her disability” from participating at a meeting of a public body due to the heightened risk of exposure to attendees who may be COVID-19 positive.

Since the Executive Order expires Friday, 7/23/21, please submit comments to Bob Cooper, via email, bob.cooper@gcd.ri.gov; fax 401-462-0106, or mail John O. Pastore Center, 2 Cherry Dale Court, Cranston, RI 02920-3049, by Wednesday 7/28/21.

Bob Cooper, Executive Secretary, RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities

Background

Governor McKee’s Executive Order 21-72 expired on July 23rd and virtual or teleconference meetings will no longer be allowed. Public bodies must return to meeting in-person in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Starting Saturday, July 24th, ALL public bodies (public boards and commissions) MUST meet fully in-person, to stay compliant with the Open Meetings Act.

Public bodies can livestream their meetings while meeting in-person. However, a member of a public body cannot join their meeting virtually, even if the public has formal access to the meeting in public and virtually.

Regarding testimony, public bodies may permit virtual testimony. However, if the public body does permit virtual testimony, it must also permit in-person testimony.

Filing requirements for meeting agendas and minutes remain the same. Contact for more details and questions: Public Information team at: opengovernment@sos.ri.gov or (401) 222-3983.

To read open meetings guidance from the Office of the Attorney General of Rhode Island, click here.