HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC 4 21 20 Human Rights Commission
April 21, 2020
Electronic Formal Meeting- 5:30 PM
Zoom Meeting Platform
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is
impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of
Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda
item by going to
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlfu6oqzMpG92RxXcCzpCI6TVPXQ4TLlQu
via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page
and submit the required information.
Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join
the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting ID or webinar ID, enter the
ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be
included in the email. Enter the password when prompted.
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a
microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799.
When prompted, enter the meeting ID or webinar ID. The ID number
for this meeting is: 978-9705-8319.
Once connected, you may dial *9 to “raise your hand,” letting the
meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in
person is not an option.
Agenda:
1.Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call.
2.Approval of the February 18, 2020 meeting minutes.
3.Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the
Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with the public concerning said items).
4.Items to be discussed:
a.Correspondence;
b.COVID-19 and Vulnerable Populations;
c.Social Justice and Racial Equity Grants for FY19;
April 17, 2020
Page 2
d. Funding Request: Christ Reign;
e. Funding Request: Iowa City Fair Trade;
f. United Nations Convention Rights of the Child;
g. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation (May 2020);
h. Strategic Planning;
i. Youth Awards (Canceled);
j. Awards Breakfast (October 21, 2020).
5. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with one another concerning said announcements).
6. Comments of Staff.
7. Adjournment.
If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact
the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Page 1
of34
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
City Hall, Helling Conference Room
February 18, 2020
Members Present: Ashley Lindley, Bijou Maliabo, Jessica Andino, Jason
Glass, Cathy McGinnis.
Not Present: Zachary Rochester, Noemi Ford, Mark Pries, Adil
Adams.
.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to Council: No.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:41 PM.
Approval of the January 21, 2020 meeting minutes: Glass moved, and the motion was
seconded by Lindley. Motion carried 5-0.
Women’s History Month Proclamation: Commissioner Lindley will accept the
proclamation at the March 3, 2020 City Council meeting on behalf of the Commission.
Funding Request: Night of 1000 Dinners: The Commission approved giving $300.00 to
this annual event that is held in honor of International Women’s Day. The program
includes an international buffet and recognizes 3 local groups founded by, led by, and/or
serving women. It will be held on March 11, 2020 at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
in the Social Hall. Glass moved, and the motion was seconded by McGinnis. Motion
carried 4-0. (Andino abstained due to a conflict).
Funding Request: DVIP 40th Anniversary Conference: The Commission approved the
request in the amount of $390.00. DVIP will be hosting this conference that is open to
community members and professionals to celebrate 40 years of serving victims of
domestic violence. It will be held at the Coralville Marriott on April 28, 29, 2020. Glass
moved, and the motion was seconded by McGinnis. Motion carried 4-0. (Andino
abstained due to a conflict).
Funding Request: Health Equity Advancement Lab UI College of Public Health: The
Commission approved the request in the amount of $400.00. This Summit will focus on
health inequities related to the criminal justice system via a community focused event,
created to bring Iowa City community members to the University of Iowa and provide a
platform for local projects to be highlighted on a larger scale. Glass moved, and the
motion was seconded by McGinnis. Motion carried 4-0. (Andino abstained due to a
conflict).
Page 2
of34
International Transgender Day of Visibility: Chair McGinnis will accept the
proclamation on behalf of the Commission at the City Council meeting of March 24, 2020.
Youth Job Fair: On March 6, 2020, the City along with Iowa Works and Vocational
Rehabilitation Services will be hosting a youth job fair to be held at the Robert A. Lee
Recreation Center in the gymnasium. Commissioners, Glass, Maliabo, and McGinnis will
plan to attend to assist with the event.
March Meeting Date: Commissioners opted to hold its March meeting on the scheduled
date of March 17, 2020. Commissioner Glass will be unable to attend due to spring break
commitments.
Anti LGBTQ Bills: Commission staff spoke on bills currently pending in the Iowa House
and Senate that would allow a business to deny services to LGBTQ persons based on a
religious exemption.
Committees & Strategic Planning: This item will be placed on the March agenda for
Commissioners to discuss in more detail.
Black History Month Proclamation: Commissioner Glass accepted this proclamation
on behalf of the Commission at the City Council meeting of February 4, 2020.
Youth Awards: Save the date May 13, 2020.
Human Rights Breakfast: Save the date October 21, 2020.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:33 PM. (Due to lack of a quorum).
Page 3
of34
Member Attendance Sheet
Member Term
Exp.
1/7 1/21 2/18 3/17 4/21 5/19 6/16 7/21 8/18 9/15 10/20
Maliabo 1/2021 Present Present
Present
McGinnis 1/2021 Present Present
Present
Rochester 1/2021 Present Present
Excused
Adams 1/2022 Excused Present
Excused
Andino 1/2022 Present Present
Present
Ford 1/2022 Present Present
Excused
Lindley 1/2023 Present Excused Present
Glass 1/2023 Present Present
Present
Pries 1/2023 Present Present
Excused
Human Rights Funding Request
Cover Letter (required reading)
Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission
provides funding to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational
public forums or programs and activities that are designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup
tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age,
and national origin.
To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out this application form. Please note
sponsorship requests are due by 5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will
review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whether the request has been
approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact,
including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about
the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information.
If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers
at 319-356-5022 or Stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org.
Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form.*
Application
Date*
Group/Organizaton Name *
Contact person*
Phone number*
Email*
Date of activity/event/program*
If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here
Event location and address*
Is the event wheelchair accessible?*
Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?*
Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights.*
Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).*
Attach itemized budget.*
List other funders below:
Has this organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/event/program?
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
2/24/2020
Christ Reign
Jonathan P Massaki
7187515987
jmassaki@icloud.com
4/12/2020
Englert Theater
Yes
No
Yes
No
Christ Reign is hosting an Easter conference that is open to community members and
professionals to celebrate African cultural diversity through music and dance. Our mission
is to bring different churches and people together for a gathering and to promote
intercultural and to speak on how to abide by the Iowa law. We will be having performers
and a guess speaker. Everyone is invited and there is no charge. There will be some
refreshment and free t-shirt give away to all attendees.
800.00$
Celebration Pâques.docx 12.4KB
None
Yes
No
How much funding was requested?
Was this request granted?
Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year?*
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
How much funding was requested?
How will this activity/event/program be marketed?
Will sponsors be mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program?
Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser?*
$
Yes
No
Yes
No
$
Social Media such as facebook, instagram, snapshot, tweeter. Posting flyers in different
places in Iowa City. Printing invitation to different churches and community organization.
Yes
No
Yes
No
Celebration Pâques
Budget
EXPENSES
Venue $2,300
Instruments $280
Performer $1,900
Refreshments $420
T-Shirt $240
Total $5,140
Human Rights Funding Request
Cover Letter (required reading)
Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission
provides funding to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational
public forums or programs and activities that are designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup
tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age,
and national origin.
To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out this application form. Please note
sponsorship requests are due by 5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will
review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whether the request has been
approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact,
including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about
the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information.
If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers
at 319-356-5022 or Stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org.
Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form.*
Application
Date*
Group/Organizaton Name *
Contact person*
Phone number*
Email*
Date of activity/event/program*
If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here
Event location and address*
Is the event wheelchair accessible?*
Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?*
Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights.*
Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).*
Attach itemized budget.*
List other funders below:
Has this organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/event/program?
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
3/9/2020
Iowa City Fair Trade Coalition
Zachary Rochester
712
zachary@fairtradecampaigns.org
4/15/2020
Iowa City Public Library
Yes
No
Yes
No
The Condor and The Eagle and Partners present The Global Impact Campaign:
NO MORE SACRIFICED COMMUNITIES!
As we look at the destructive impacts of fossil fuels industries, we can no longer remain
silent. We are now joining hands to stop the money pipeline. By visually exposing the
environmental and human impacts of fossil fuel industries, our film is a
powerful tool to present to large audiences the divestment movement, bringing together
communities to launch effective calls to action.
75.00$
Condor & Eagle Screening Budget.xlsx 10.66KB
None
Yes
No
How much funding was requested?
Was this request granted?
Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year?*
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
How much funding was requested?
How will this activity/event/program be marketed?
Will sponsors be mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program?
Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser?*
If yes, explain:*
$
Yes
No
Yes
No
$
We are requesting that the UIHRC will help us sponsor this even to increase turn out and
to spread awareness among the commissions network. Additionally, we are hoping to
partner with the UI Center for Human Rights as another event partner.
Yes
No
Yes
No
We will be selling $5 tickets; all proceeds will go to
Indigenous Rights Movements
Film Screening Budget
Total
$75.00
Item Cost
Promotional Materials $25.00
Food for Attendees $50.00
Agenda 4h
Correspondence
City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission
SJRE GRANT REPORT – The FIRM Project
GRANTEE: Healthy Kids School-based Health Clinics (HKSBHC)
PROJECT FUNDED: FIRM Project
DATE OF GRANT FUNDING, AND DATE THIS REPORT APPLIES TO: FY18 (extended to FY19), Second Quarter
Report April 1, 2020
AMOUNT AUTHORIZED: $ 12,300
NAME OF PERSON REPORTING: Salomé Phillmann, Healthy Kids Clinic Coordinator
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SUMMARY
In July 2019, Healthy Kids was granted an extension for our FIRM project activities. While we continue to
aim at enabling access to mental health care for some of Iowa City’s most vulnerable children, we have adjusted
some of the parameters of the project to better fit the immigrant community’s needs.
Referrals from Healthy Kids Clinic alone are currently at 32 patients (up from 18 last quarter). This
number may be higher depending on how many family members of each patient will opt for family/group
therapy. Below is a list of our therapy partners to-date with an update on Healthy Kids Clinic FIRM activities in
this second quarter:
1- IC Compassion : We referred to counselors offering free trauma therapy: The one family we had
referred is no longer able to attend therapy due to work schedule. HK reached out on several occasions.
Though the counseling was free, the interpretation for the visits was to be paid through the FIRM grant.
All remaining funds budgeted for this family’s 10 sessions will be available for another client/patient
when needed.
2- Alli Center : One counselor is working with us; she is Spanish speaking and through an agreement with
her supervisor is charging Healthy Kids a nominal fee for her services. We have had a good rapport with
the center and our referrals seem to be happy with the service. The location of Alli Center is excellent
for our Coralville families, especially those that are referred through our Northwest Junior High Clinic.
3- Abbe Center of Iowa City : Through a meeting with Abbe Administration, Healthy Kids established
referrals with Abbe Center for psychiatric assessments, treatment and PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction
Therapy: Two families were referred to Abbe Center. Due to the long waiting list at Abbe, we had to wait
several months for the first appt. One week before the intake appts for both families, Abbe Center
informed us that unfortunately, their Spanish-speaking practitioner was leaving. All appts are on hold
until they fill her position. Recently Abbe Center hired a psychiatric NP who we are hoping to be able to
refer to and may have a chance to refer an initial client to this spring. In addition, one of the therapists
that used to work for UAY in the schools has now moved her practice to Abbe Center so at least one of
our referrals will being seeing their therapist at Abbe Center following the Covid-19 social distancing
measures.
4- Paula Gordy and Associates : BHIS (Behavioral Health Intervention Services), Though an MOU was
established with Paula Gordy and Associates, they decided to temporary suspend their Iowa City
services as of January 2020.
5- Psychiatric Associates : Healthy Kids Coordinator consulted with an art therapist who speaks Spanish in
order to organize some alternatives to talk therapy as described in our extension proposal. We initiated,
in cooperation with the school SFAs (Student Family Advocates), three group art therapy sessions. Two
youth groups began the first week of March 2020. For now, both groups are composed of middle school-
aged girls. One group is bilingual (conducted in Spanish or English depending on members’ needs or
desires) and the other group uses primarily in English. The latter group is a mix of girls who come from
Africa, Latin America or are second generation immigrants. Both groups started out very strong and the
feedback was extremely positive. A third art therapy group for mothers, was to start on March 27th,
2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 quarantine, we are suspending all groups at this time and until
further notice. We created an agreement with the Art Therapist for a series of 12 weeks for each youth
group and 10 weeks for the adult group. Though the pandemic has shut down our art therapy offerings,
the therapist leading the groups is open to considering new groups this summer or early fall. Healthy
Kids hopes to find funding for this group in the event that we cannot resume before the end of the third
quarter in June 2020.
6- Seashore Psychology Training Clinic (A division of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
at the University of Iowa): The clinic offers consultation to schools, courts, and other agencies. Healthy
Kids has referred several patients to a Seashore Psychology because one of their practitioners comes to
City High School weekly to provide services per an agreement with ICCSD. The Seashore Psychology
Clinic also offers psychological assessments. There are currently Spanish testing materials available for
purchase but no one site/provider in our area is using them consistently. Healthy Kids coordinator
discussed potential use of funding to purchase testing materials to expand access to language
appropriate materials and in hopes of improving psycho-educational diagnoses for Spanish-speaking
clients. The City of Iowa City responded positively to our initiative to purchase testing materials that
could improve diagnosis for some of our immigrant children. We currently have two referrals waiting for
Spanish language testing. The Seashore team is researching which specific tests would be most
beneficial in Spanish; however, the general focus is on materials for standard ADHD testing and/ or
learning disorder assessment. In order for the materials to be useful, a Spanish-Speaking provider must
conduct the assessment. Though we have not narrowed down exactly which tests will be purchased, we
are confident that being able to provide assessments that could sensitively test children’s cognitive
functioning and achievement, without penalizing them for learning English as a second language, is
consistent with the FIRM project objectives.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS INFORMATION
As discussed in our last report, the KNOW YOUR RIGHTS cards continue to be distributed to SFAs, school
RNs and to patients/families at our clinics. We also discuss the contents of the card with those who have
expressed anxiety or experiences related to ICE agent activity. The cultural liaisons at the school have informed
of us several occasions in the last quarter where communities we serve were being followed, questioned and
sometimes harassed by ICE agents. In February, liaisons received several calls from the community reporting ICE
agents knocking on doors and stopping people as they leave work. We use the information on the Know Your
Rights Cards and the information given to us by the University of Iowa Legal Clinic to help inform other staff, our
patients and their families.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The presentation, mentioned in our last report and scheduled for December 2019, was postponed to
March 6, 2020 by the University of Iowa Legal Clinic. The presentation was informative and the event drew over
50 school staff members who work closely with our community’s immigrant families: SFAs, RNs and cultural
liaisons, in addition to their supervisors. There were many questions posed by the audience and several areas of
follow up.
The presentations provided the following information:
-Background information on what pushes immigrants to come here, particularly from the Congo (DRC) and from
Central America (largely Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador)
-Rights and responsibilities with and without legal status
-Current avenues for legal status : claims for asylum, SJIS, etc.
-Considerations when working with families who are under stress due to deportation orders
-Resources for assisting students and their families with things such as family separation, legal guardianship and
medical power of attorney
-Updates on laws passed that affect our immigrant population here in Iowa City, such as legislation referring to
‘public charge’ or what it means to be a ‘sanctuary city’
In our last report, we discussed plans to help school staff understand the importance of seeking an
interpreter for communications with families and how to use interpreters effectively in communicating with
students, patients and their families. We plan on expanding this work once we are no longer in danger of Covid-
19 spread and we can resume our clinic activities. If that doesn’t happen before the end of May, instead of
having an experienced, certified interpreter come and talk to us about communicating via an interpreter, we
may have to get creative and figure out a new way to present this information. We are still working on the
handouts mentioned that would be posted in every school district office making it easy and convenient to call
language line as soon as someone who isn’t proficient in English walks into the office. Making interpretation
something automatic in these interactions will help immigrant families access the information or assistance they
need. It will also help them practice their rights as parents and members of the greater community.
Expenditures
In this second quarter, we have started implementing the ideas generated in the first quarter. We have
been able to make significant progress on several aspects of the project. Unfortunately, we fear that the school
shut-down related to the COVID-19 pandemic will affect our activities immensely. That said, we continue to look
at ways to serve our patients and their families’ mental well-being. In some cases, we are managing to set up
telehealth. However, only time will tell if we are able to find alternatives to the activities that involved physical
presence (art therapy groups, interactive presentations). The FIRM project’s expenditures to-date are enclosed.
(84 000 2131 421 0000 611)
Invoice Date Source Purpose Total Spent
FY18-19
8/13/18 Hy-Vee
Know Your Rights
Event supplies
(refreshments) $90.84
8/31/18 Facebook Ad
KYR Event
promotion $5.00
9/7/18 Luminus Minds Therapy $150.00
9/7/18 Luminus Minds Therapy $150.00
9/7/18 Luminus Minds Therapy $225.00
10/12/18 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
10/12/18 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
11/20/18 Staples printing 41.66
3/16/2019 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
4/15/2019 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
12/05/2018 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
invoice not
pd until
June/July
2019
12/12/2018 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
12/19/2018 Luminus Minds Therapy $75
06/07/2019 Luminus Minds Therapy $375
6/25/2019
Squ sq pacific
printing
know your rights
cards $65.00
on health
services
credit card
Total FY 18/19 $1,627.50
FY19-20
09/20/2019 Luminus Minds Therapy $225.00
09/20/2019 Luminus Minds Therapy $75.00
10/20/2019
French
Interpreter/ICCSD
Interpretation of
Therapy
Patient unable to contine
therapy, funds allotted for
certified interpretation of 10
Interpreting
Services
week session will no longer
need to be held- we are still
waiting on interpreting bill
from school interpreting for
sessions completed.
10/29/2019 Squ Pacific Printing
Know Your Rights
Cards $65.00
11/1/19 Luminus Minds Therapy $150.00
11/1/19 Luminus Minds Therapy $150.00
1/13/20 Nasco
Art supplies for art
therapy group $129.28
1/30/20 Luminis Mind KCP $150.00
1/30/2020 Luminis Mind ODG $300.00
2/2020 Nasco
Art supplies for art
therapy group $34.88
3/2020 Rae Noble Art Therapy Waiting for invoice*
3/6/2020 Hy-Vee
Event Supplies,
PD,Immigration
Law, University of
Iowa Legal Clinic
Presentation $71.57
3/6/2020 Dodge St. Coffee
Event Supplies,
PD,Immigration
Law, University of
Iowa Legal Clinic
Presentation $57.24
3/31/2020 Alli Center Therapy $25.00
3/31/2020 Alli Center Therapy $50.00
3/31/2020 Alli Center Therapy $25.00
Total for FY20 $1,507.97
Grand Total
for FIRM as of
April 1, 2020 $3,135.47
*Anticipated $285
owed for 4 hours,
45 minutes at
$60/hour
rendered in early
March 2020
Inside Out Reentry Community
500 N. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA. 52245
(319) 338-7996
www.insideoutreentry.org
Iowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity Spring Grant Report
Inside Out Reentry Community (IO) received Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant funding in
2019 to increase our impact in the Iowa City community through public education and awareness
of the issue of reentry. As a part of this funding IO will host a two-day summit, and three
quarterly forum series, expecting to serve at least 300 people across five days of events. The
primary purpose of this series is to bring people together in an open and accepting learning
environment to advocate for one of our community’s most marginalized populations (people
involved in the criminal justice system).
On September 20th, IO hosted the first quarterly forum, a Reentry/Parole Simulation. On
October 17th and 18th, IO hosted Homecoming: Reentry Summit, a two-day summit to raise
awareness about the barriers returning citizens face and to build a supportive community through
education about criminal justice, collateral consequences, and reentry. Presently, we have had a
total attendance of 279 individuals.
Programs and Activity Progress:
Since our last grant report in November 2019, IO has been planning the two remaining quarterly
forums, but unable to host them due to the impacts of COVID-19 on our community.
To measure performance, IO is tracking the number of attendees and feedback through surveys
at the public education events. Our goal was to recruit ten new volunteers and ten new REN
committee members by the end of the grant cycle. Additionally, we aimed to videotape the
summit and quarterly forums to broadly share the information with those unable to attend.
COVID-19 Impacts on Quarterly Forums:
IO has focused efforts towards developing the remaining two quarterly forums; however, due to
COVID-19 and the Governor and CDC’s recommendations to not hold any public gatherings, IO
is suspending all group education and programming. With this suspension the events have been
postponed for the future.
The first forum which is focused on mental health and reentry, started as a physical event and
was scheduled for March 31st at Kirkwood Community College. Then, over the course of the
COVID-19 precautions and closing of businesses throughout the community, this event evolved
into a webinar, but later had to be postponed as the facilities IO was going to use to livestream
Inside Out Reentry Community
500 N. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA. 52245
(319) 338-7996
www.insideoutreentry.org
from was also closed. Presently, it is on hold along with the planning and coordination of our
second forum, a forum for employers focused on Second Chance hiring. IO will continue to plan
for these events as possible.
Volunteers:
Since the start of the grant cycle, IO has recruited 11 volunteers, and four University of Iowa
interns. Volunteers support IO in multiple ways including mentoring, tutoring and transporting
returning citizens. Additionally, volunteers and interns help staff IO’s Drop-In Resource Center,
assist with group programming and event planning, conduct research, and assist with
administrative tasks.
REN Committees:
In December 2019, IO reconvened the Reentry Network of Johnson County (REN) committees.
Presently, there are three committees with specific focuses: housing, employment and behavioral
health. Currently, IO has hosted a total of six committee meetings. At these meetings we discuss
issues related to returning citizens and share resources to build collaborative connections
between agencies and organizations. Currently, 12 new individuals have joined and attended the
six REN committee meetings.
Videotaping and Sharing of Events:
IO has shared information from the events to the broader audience for those who were unable to
attend. A video was recorded featuring an overview of the Parole Simulation on September 20,
2019. This video was made available on our YouTube and Facebook page. Additionally, City of
Iowa City’s City Channel 4 recorded and posted the entirety of the two-day Homecoming:
Reentry Summit, panels and presentations on their website for public viewing and sharing.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
IO has two more quarterly forums to continue to plan and host, one focused on mental health and
reentry, and the second for employers to encourage second chance hiring. Despite current
uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, IO will continue to do what we can to plan for these future
events. Additionally, IO will continue to host REN committee meetings; however, we will use
the Zoom meeting format so participants can attend without violating social distancing
guidelines.
1
2019 Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant
Progress Report November 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
Refugee and Immigrant Association
1566 S. Gilbert Street in Iowa City, IA 52246
Jean Paul Mugemuzi, Executive Director
refugeeiowa@gmail.com | 347-414-1121
The Awareness and Prevention of Social Conflict Initiative is a pilot project envisioned by the
Refugee and Immigrant Association to address cultural challenges facing refugees and immigrants
living in Iowa City. The association serves a group of community members striving to be self-reliant,
independent and integrated into American and Iowa cultures.
The initiative has three programs: Together We Can Groups, Learning & Growing Presentations, and
Community Collaborations.
The following is progress towards the stated goals as identified in the grant funding application
covering the reporting period November 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 for each of the programs.
Note: Following the identification of COVID-19 cases in Johnson County, the Refugee and Immigrant
Association suspended face-to-face meetings and events until further notice of the City of Iowa
City’s recommendation to resume regular activity.
Together We Can Groups
Goals: Hold monthly group meetings for the four demographics of parents, men, women and youth.
Demonstrate an increase in attendance throughout the first 12-month time period of the grant.
All demographics – parents, men, women and youth are continuing to hold monthly group
meetings. Since our initial report, the groups have continued to identify challenge areas and seek
solutions to ensure all refugees and immigrants are working towards stability in all areas of their
lives.
The Women’s Group Committee, along with the assistance of the RIA board members, planned and
implemented the 1st Annual International Women’s Day Celebration! There are details and photos
under the Learning & Growing Presentations initiative section in this report.
The Academic Improvement Program has continued to provide tutoring and homework help to 15
refugee students. Until March 13, University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College students
assisted the youth with reading, writing, literature, math, social studies, and any other topics they
were struggling with in school. Once students return to school, this program will be restarted.
2
Learning & Growing Presentations
Goals: Hold monthly presentations with community-based guest speaker. Demonstrate an increase in
attendance throughout the first 12-month time period of the grant. Remove language barriers between
presenters and attendees. Demonstrate an increase in understanding of the topic area following each
presentation.
Refugee & Immigrant Multilingual Newspaper
Although this does not fall under an in-person presentation, meetings have been held with The
Gazette regarding assisting the association with printing a multilingual newspaper for refugees and
immigrants in Johnson and Linn Counties. The Refugee & Immigrant News will consist of a
substantive 8-page newspaper of critical information to refugees and immigrants living throughout
The Corridor. The newspaper will be published on the 1st and 15th of each month by The Gazette.
All English content will be translated into French, Swahili, and Arabic. During this time of the COVID-
19 pandemic, informing all of our community members of vital health and wellbeing information by
local, state and national government is of great importance. As we recover from this crisis, this
project will continue to positively impact the lives of non-English speaking community members by
providing information about the necessary resources for families and children, employment,
community events, and general community information. Funding for the project has been requested
by the Emergency Response Fund through the Community Foundation of Johnson County and a
letter of inquiry has been sent to Geoff Fruin with the City of Iowa City.
Community Awareness Forum for Refugees and Immigrants
RIA hosted a meeting at its office for representatives from the Iowa City Police Department, Iowa
City Fire Department, and the Johnson County Ambulance Service. They were making plans to hold
the first Community Awareness Forum on April 11, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event
has been postponed until life returns to normal. The event will include each of the organizations
giving a presentation on topics important to migrants. There will be a panel discussion which will
include a Questions & Answer session. Translation will be offered during the event. An African
cuisine dinner will also be provided to all speakers and attendees.
International Women’s Day Celebration
On March 7 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Coralville, approximately 250 people celebrated
International Women’s Day. The Refugee Women Empowerment Group cooked and served a
delicious African dinner and there were guest speakers, many dance performances, and a beautiful
fashion show. The event was hosted by an emcee who officiated the event in both English and
Swahili languages.
Speakers included Jamila from the Iowa Accountability Program discussing domestic violence
challenges and solutions within the community. Dr. Virginia Wangui from NISAA African Family
Services talked about the organizations’ services and her personal journey of education and giving
back to the African community in Africa and the US. Iowa City Police Capt. Denise Brotherton talked
about resources in the community, distributed translated information, and answered questions
from the audience.
Multiple dance groups performed native dances to African music for the audience. These girls and
women displayed their pride in a variety of African dance as they celebrated International Women’s
Day. A highlight of the event included a huge fashion show. Women and girls displayed their outfits
representing African colors, materials, and design.
3
It was a joyous event and we invite you to view the following photos and watch the video of the event
at “RIA International Women’s Day in Iowa” on YouTube found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRq6fcva194&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2jM6kMU5e2iJw3A2Z82U_VXZQgfmB26gPHNaaKMCrIAeHdWly0PMdcYIQ
Community Collaboration
Goals: Show a growing number of collaborative partners throughout the first 12-month time period of the
grant. Report a decrease in police calls for African refugees and immigrants.
The following collaborations have been developed during this specific grant period:
The Gazette
• The Gazette has agreed to work with RIA to print its multilingual newspaper for refugees and
immigrants throughout The Corridor at a cost of .27 per copy. The Gazette will provide a
newspaper template and RIA will write all content.
4
NISAA African Family Services
• NISAA serves the same population as RIA, so this is a natural partnership. Having NISAA staff
present at RIA events to talk about issues within the community and provide resources, is
very beneficial.
Unitarian Universalist Church in Coralville Church
• The church is very supportive of RIA and provided their facility at the last minute for the
International Women’s Day event when the original location had to cancel. The facility was
beautiful and we see ourselves holding future events at their facility.
Johnson County Court - Domestic Violence Program
• We know that our refugee and immigrant friends need education and resources about
domestic violence so they can increase their awareness and have the healthiest relationships
possible. This partner is a perfect fit.
Iowa City Fire Department
• The Iowa City Fire Department is looking forward to speaking at the future Community
Awareness Forum for Refugees and Immigrants event.
Johnson County Ambulance
• The Johnson County Ambulance is looking forward to speaking at the future Community
Awareness Forum for Refugees and Immigrants event.
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
April 1, 2020
City of Iowa City
Stefanie Bowers
Equity Director
410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5022
stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org
VisAbility Program - City of Iowa City Social Justice & Racial Equity Grant - 2019
April 1, 2020 Progress Report
Grant Amount Received: $5260
Grant Amount Spent: $1941 as of April 1, 2020
VisAbility Program Review:
VisAbility is a Photovoice-inspired program designed to empower and enable Iowa City
residents with disabilities to advocate for local change through photography and community
discussion. The overall goal of VisAbility is to support residents in vocalizing and advocating for
increased equity and inclusion through local discussion, policy development, and awareness
activities.
VisAbility is an annual program where participants learn to take photographs around their
community that represent their disability experience in and around Iowa City. Throughout the
time people are taking photographs and after images are developed, Access 2 Independence
holds both peer and community discussion events to empower participants and bring additional
importance to their photographic work. In the spring, we will be coordinating a traveling exhibit
of the photographs around Iowa City and hold exhibit opening celebrations at each location for
community discussion opportunities. From the discussions, we plan to collaborate with local
policy professionals to develop Iowa City policy recommendations to continue creating a more
equitable community for all abilities!
Grant Outcome Update:
As of April 1, 2020, we concluded program sessions in the fall and transitioned to exhibit
planning and theme development with plans to display 27 photos starting March 23rd at the Iowa
City Public Library. Everything has been put on hold due to COVID-19 changes. Of our 4
program participants, we had two women participate from beginning to end. However, there
were differences between them in terms of active engagement. One submitted 1 photo during the
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
program while the other submitted 15. We were able to collect pre and post survey data from
them and pre survey from our other two participants who submitted 11 photos collectively during
their time in the program. Given the program attrition rate and varied participation, the survey
data we obtained does not reflect meaningful changes in self-advocacy skills or feelings of
empowerment.
In addition to this report, we are including a draft of our facilitation guidebook for your review
which is almost complete. The guidebook could be utilized by any agency to recreate the
program or adapt it for their own use. When the guidebook is completed, we will host it on our
website as a community resource. Included are a couple of photos our participants took with
descriptions to give you an idea of their work.
VisAbility has had many challenges since implementation and we have learned so much in the
process of piloting this program that will certainly influence our future sessions. To be blunt, the
program did not go as expected. However, we have the information and materials we need to
adjust and improve for next time:
1.In our recruitment process, we did not pursue direct outreach opportunities to
speak to potential participants. We utilized more passive methods like email
newsletters, word of mouth, social media, and emailing program directors to share
the information down to their consumers. We have to get in front of consumers to
get them excited about our work and create buy-in.
2.The program structure, class structure, and amount of themes moved too quickly
and was too much information to focus on the photography and/or themes well.
The class needed more sessions up front focusing on self-advocacy training and
photography skills before we moved into themes to elicit creative photography.
Participants were confused about the themes (what they meant) or how they
applied to their personal lives and needed more time/discussion to help them
relate. Additionally, we had worked with a local photography teacher to come in
and teach at the beginning of the program but could not coordinate schedules.
Having a professional to provide guidance would make a significant difference to
photography skill development for our participants.
3.The staff who was managing this program resigned at the end of December. We
have had to make staffing adjustments to ensure that program tasks continued to
be completed and we were moving forward.
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
Visibility of VisAbility:
The marketing for program activities and application spanned from June 2019 until Mid-October
to allow for any last minute enrollments. Marketing has consisted of website design
(www.access2independence.org/visability), flyer development, outreach to community
organizations and peer groups, event listings through popular social media and web calendar
outlets, and word of mouth. An example of a VisAbility flyer is included as Appendix B.
Additionally, Access 2 Independence created program booklets for participants to track their
work and for personal use, which has been useful in helping participants stay on track throughout
the program. This booklet has been developed in print, digital, and braille formats to provide an
accessible experience. Due to the length and options of booklet format, this booklet was not
added to the Appendix; however, it is available upon request. Marketing of the program will
continue and evolve to include exhibit events in the near future.
During program development, Access 2 Independence reached out to local policy, program, and
disability rights stakeholders in the Iowa City community. The collaboration with these
stakeholders resulted in the development of the VisAbility Advisory Committee that has met
periodically, both as a whole group and individually with Access 2 Independence staff for the
purpose of program development and evaluation. An additional feature of the Advisory
Committee has been the expanded reach to community members through involved stakeholders,
as well as furthering community interest. We are extremely thankful for the participation and
interest these stakeholders have shown and want to thank each and every one of them for their
support and input.
Budget Update:
Since our last update in November, we have utilized almost half of our allocated budget with
expenses of $1,941. We do not anticipate many additional expenses through the end of the grant.
Costs for photo printing, miscellaneous supplies, and transportation were significantly
overestimated with roughly $3,300 remaining. Based on recommendations by a local
photography teacher, we decided not to have participant photos displayed in a collage on a poster
but printed (5x7) and matted individually for a more professional exhibit display. This
significantly decreased printing and framing costs as materials could be sourced locally and we
did not have to order any specialty poster prints. We were able to purchase two sets of photos
and mattes: one that will go on display and remain at A2I and the other to gift to our participants
to display their work at home. This also allowed us to purchase a bulk set of matting materials to
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
run the program again in the future. Furthermore, we purchased display equipment and
accessories to facilitate traveling exhibits of the work. This will allow us to be flexible and not
have to choose exhibit venues based on availability of displays.
Please see Appendix C for attached budget.
Equipment was selected with sustainability and accessibility in mind to support this being an
annual program. This is reflected in our decision to purchase rechargeable batteries,
waterproof/drop-proof cameras, and storage bags for them. Additionally, we researched and
purchased different types of accessibility equipment like camera wheel-chair mounts and
different height tripods so that individuals could find a system that worked best for them. This
will assist in accommodating needs in the future. Display equipment was purchased so that A2I
could be flexible in venues and facilitate annual, traveling displays of the work.
Additional funds were leveraged from Green State Credit Union and Hills Bank to provide
snacks and refreshments for our participants during class sessions. Due to the time frame of our
classes, we wanted to ensure healthy snacks and water were readily available to support focus
and engagement from our participants. Remaining donation funds will be used to provide snacks
and refreshments for our community exhibits and celebrate the end of the program with our
participants.
Program Reach:
Currently, this grant has reached our participants, their family members and support systems, and
our advisory committee. We have planned for the program reach to grow once work is exhibited
in the community to create dialogue about the Iowa City disability experience.
Participants:
Female, late 20’s, previous UI REACH student living independently in the community
Male, early 20’s, employed and living with a supported community living agency
Female, 40’s, graduate student at UI
Female, 50’s, employed and living with a supported community living agency
Advisory Committee:
We sought professionals from the University of Iowa in program evaluation, public health, the
Center for Disabilities and Development, and public policy in addition to a photographer, local
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
disability nonprofit leader, City of Iowa City employee, and local disability advocates to help
guide our program through an advisory committee. This has brought together diverse talents and
perspectives to help us look at the many aspects of the program from different angles and ensure
quality in everything we do.
Process Evaluation Updates:
The community debut of our VisAbility exhibit was slated for March 23rd at the Iowa City
Public Library with permanent display on the second floor slated to begin May 1st. Based on
COVID-19 closures, we do not have a clear timeline when we will be able to publicly display
this session’s work and collect community feedback.
Thus far, we have been measuring program effectiveness through performance evaluation
methods as described in the initial grant submission; a visual of the Evaluation Plan is displayed
in detail in Appendix A.
Final Comments:
Despite program challenges, we have gotten great feedback from those we have shared
VisAbility information with and look forward to making it better and stronger for it’s next
implementation. We are excited to see participants’ final work on display and reschedule our
community exhibits when it is safe to do so. We hope to see you there!
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
Appendix A: Evaluation Timeline
Process Evaluation (June 2019 - June 2020)
Label Evaluation Question
Performance
Measurement
Label Measurement Plan
PQ1
Is the program interesting to the
community? PM 1
Track program event attendance
rates
PQ2 What are the participation rates? PM 2
Record attendance and number of
photographs taken for each peer
group meeting
PQ3
How do participants view the
program and what can be
improved? PM 3 Pre and post-program surveys
PQ4
How do community members view
the program and what can be
improved? PM 4 Survey exhibit attendees
Output Evaluation (Short Term Outcome) (June 2019 - June 2020)
Label Evaluation Question
Outcome
Measurement
(Short term)
Label Measurement Plan
SOQ 1
Has VisAbility increased participant
Self-Advocacy? SOM 1 Pre and post-program surveys
SOQ 2
Has VisAbility increased feelings of
empowerment? SOM 2 Pre and post-program surveys
SOQ 3
Has VisAbility increased visibility of
the Iowa City disability community
experience? SOM 3 Survey exhibit attendees
SOQ 4
Has VisAbility led to policy
recommendation development? SOM 4
Track policy recommendation
development process and
partnership
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
Appendix B: Program Flyer
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
Appendix C: Budget
Social Justice Racial Equity
Project Budget June 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020
Access 2 Independence Vis-Ability: A Photovoice Project
Project Budget 1-Nov-19 1-Apr-20 31-Jul-20
Revenue:
Fees
Grants $5,260.00 $5,260.00
Other revenue - donations $200.00
Total revenue $5,260.00 $5,460.00 $5,460.00 $0.00
Expenses:
Professional Services
Educational Materials
Marketing/Advertising
Equipment/Hardware
Cameras $450.00 $328.00 $328.00
SD cards $100.00 $85.00 $85.00
Display equipment $700.00 $562.00
Poster frames $500.00 $460.00
Accessible camera mount $150.00 $122.00 $122.00
Batteries $60.00 $71.00 $71.00
Rentals
Supplies*
Outside Printing $1,500.00 $38.00
Miscellaneous Supplies**
Taxes, shipping, &
miscellaneous accessibility
Costs $1,000.00 $175.00 $175.00
Transportation Costs $800.00 $100.00 $100.00
Donation expenses $18.00
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities
throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education,
advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater
independence and integrated community participation.
Total Expenses $5,260.00 $881.00 $1,959.00 $0.00
*Supplies:
Most supplies will be from in-house printing for participants; not included in this
budget as this will be operating costs.
**Miscellaneous Supplies:
Paratranist costs will be covered for 10 participants and 10 support staff for 20 rides
each at $2 each: 20 people * 20 rides = 400 rides * $2 = $800.00
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.
Cedar Rapids Office
601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 499-8706
Iowa City Office
1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide
Draft
Created by Access 2 Independence of the Eastern Iowa Corridor
Special thanks to Brittany Winch, BSW and Talor Gray, MPH
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 1
Photovoice Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide
Table of Contents
BACKGROUND
Introduction to Photovoice……………………………………………………………………....…3
Elements of Photovoice
Materials……………………………………………………………………………...…3-4
Meeting location and facilitation…………………………………………………….……4
Job descriptions and task assignments………………………………………………....….4
PROCESS OVERVIEW
Example timeline and photos…………………………………………………………………….4-5
IMPACTS AND CHANGE PROCESS GOALS
Participant change process…………………………………………………………………....……5
Community change process………………………………………………………………...……5-6
PRE-SESSION PREPARATION
Participant Selection Process and Criteria…………………………………………………….…6-7
Participant Recruitment Process……………………………………………………………...……8
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Presentation guide…………………………………………………………………………….……8
Information session outline…………………………………………………………………....…8-9
ORIENTATION
Presentation guide……………………………………………………………………………….…9
Objectives and lesson plan overview for participants………………………………....9-10
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
Camera usage course………………………………………………………………………..……10
Photography tips course…………………………………………………………………….…10-11
Photography safety and ethics discussion……………………………………………………..11-12
Photography Course facilitation outline………………………………………………………….12
PEER SESSIONS 1 and 2
Session agenda……………………………………………………………………………..…12-13
Facilitation outline………………………………………………………………………………..13
CLOSING SESSION
Session agenda…………………………………………………………………………………....13
Closing session outline………………………………………………………………………..13-14
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Presentation and display………………………………………………………………………..…14
Exhibit opening celebrations outline……………………………………………………………...15
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 2
Exhibit exposure………………………………………………………………………………….15
Free will donations………………………………………………………………………………..15
DEBRIEF AND CELEBRATION………………………………………………………………………..15
SOCIAL ACTION
Establishing Recommendations…………………………………………………………………..16
Presenting Recommendations to the City of Iowa City…………………………………………..16
ADVISORY TEAM
Advisory team role……………………………………………………………………………..…16
Team and meeting
details………………………………………………………………………....16
WHAT TO RECORD………………………………………………………………………………….16-18
SURVEYS AND PROMPTS EXPLAINED
Pre and Post Group Participant Surveys
Survey use explanation…………………………………………………………………..18
Survey administration…………………………………………………………………....18
Survey creation process and reasoning…………………………………………………..19
Survey Key…………………………………………………………………………...19-20
Photography prompts explained…………………………………………………………………..21
Community Awareness Survey…………………………………………………………………...21
ADDITIONAL FORMS
Photovoice guidelines……………………………………………………………………….………
Participant Rights and Responsibilities agreement……………………………………….…………
Consent to Photography and Media Release Form……….…………………………………………
Attendance Policy…….………………………………………………………………………..……
Icebreakers and introductions guide……………………………………………………...…………
Pre (baseline) and Post group questionnaires…………………………………………….…………
SHOWED
Worksheet………………………………………………………………………….…….
Feedback forms…………………………………………………………………………………...…
Participation Measure Forms……………………………………………………………..…………
Community Awareness
survey………………………………………………………....……………
Community impact tracking form……………………………………………………………...……
Liability Form…………………………………………………………………………………...
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 3
Photovoice Facilitation Guide
BACKGROUND
Introduction to Photovoice
Photovoice projects provide an opportunity for participants to document their views and
experiences surrounding social justice topics via photography. The creative documentation is
then used to produce community growth and change through discussion of important topics that
are not easily or often openly discussed in public settings. Photovoice sessions further provide a
space to reflect on community strengths, needs, and areas of growth or concern during
participant sessions. Photovoice projects are customizable and can be adapted to meet the goals
of individual organizations and groups. Our program, Vis-Ability, represents the disability
community in and around Iowa City. The overall goals of Vis-Ability are to increase
participants’ self-advocacy skills while simultaneously increasing community awareness leading
toward social action and the encouragement of policies increasing accessibility. As part of the
photovoice project process, community participation and impact will be evaluated.
Elements of Photovoice
Materials
The materials needed for Vis-Ability include:
●Cameras (10, one for each participant)
●Batteries
●SD cards (for each participant)
●Camera mounts, for anyone who is unable to hold a camera in the hands
●Three free-standing panel art display grids
●Name tags for participants
Additionally, bus passes will be given to participants as needed for attending sessions,
community exhibits/discussions, and in order to take photographs. We estimate that 400
paratransit passes will be needed, covering 20 people for 20 rides each. At $2.00 per ride, $800
will need to be set aside for transportation. Some chosen participant photos will be printed on
photo quality paper and matted for display. $2,000 should be made available to cover such costs,
including $1,500 for printing and $500 for matting. Finally, we suggest $1000 be set aside to
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 4
cover additional costs such as taxes, shipping, and other miscellaneous accessibility costs to fit
participant needs. Other listed supplies will be reused for future repeated projects.
Meeting Location and Facilitation
Photovoice meetings, including information sessions, orientation, the photography course, and
three peer group sessions should be held in a comfortable, accessible, and low cost location, preferably
with a projector available. As an example, Vis-Ability will be utilizing the Environmental Education
Center. Our staff chose this location due to its accommodating environment and price rates. Non-profit
status allows us to reserve this space for $5.00 an hour, with an additional $100 deposit that will be
refunded. The overall location cost will come out to $55.00.
There will be two staff facilitators required at each meeting, with unlimited volunteer support
depending on interest. We find co-facilitation important to ensure someone will be available to assist with
accommodations and questions. Our small team of five people has decided to have everyone involved in
the facilitation process. We also expect that sharing the facilitator role will allow for greater diversity in
discussion. Our team members will be able to sign up for the dates best suited for them since there is a
heavy time commitment with Vis-Ability.
Job Descriptions and Task Assignments (for facilitators, assistants, coordinators, volunteers, etc)
Facilitators: The job of the facilitator is to guide the session. This entails carrying out the agenda
of the meeting as well as engaging and encouraging involvement by all participants. This may involve
asking questions, providing feedback for photos, and provoking participants to further explore the
meaning behind their photography.
Scribes: The job of the scribe is to record dialogue during program sessions. Scribes should aim
to capture the content of the discussion without being overly precise. Quotes captured are used for exhibit
development, policy recommendations, and program information. This is a perfect role for program
volunteers.
Volunteers/assistants: Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks from beginning to end of the
program including marketing, recruitment, facilitation, data collection and analysis, exhibit creation, and
assisting with collection of community feedback.
PROCESS OVERVIEW
Example timeline
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 5
The entire Vis-Ability process will take approximately one year to complete. An example
timeline is as follows:
Pre-program preparation (April- June 2019)
April:
4/1- reserve session meeting rooms
May:
5/1- Create marketing materials
June:
6/1- Develop collaboration team and train facilitators
Purchase supplies
Begin marketing program
First advisory team meeting scheduled for end of June
Plan exhibition location and details
Phase 1: Participant Process (July-August 2019)
July:
7/18- Facilitate information sessions
7/25- Facilitate information sessions
7/29- Finalize participants
August:
8/01- Orientation
8/20- Photography/ ethics class
8/29- Peer session 1
8/30- Begin exhibit development, Begin marketing events
Phase 2: Community Involvement (September 2019- January 2020)
September:
Continue exhibit development, continue marketing events
9/12- Peer session 2
9/26- Peer session 3
October:
10/10- All material printed
10/17- 1st exhibit
December:
11/21- 2nd exhibit
January:
1/20- Debrief and celebration
Phase 3: Policy Process (February- May 2020)
February:
2/1- Collab team meeting
2/15- Begin data analysis
March:
3/15- Literature review based on data trends
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 6
April:
4/15- Develop policy suggestion paper
May:
5/1- Present paper to City of Iowa City
Example Photography
Photo description: two steps outside a participant’s apartment
front door.
Something as simple as two steps can pose a large mobility
issue for someone who uses a mobility device (wheel chair,
walker, scooter, etc.). Our participant took a picture to highlight
how her apartment in downtown Iowa City was not accessible
to everyone.
Photo description: Rent 20th Anniversary Tour
program held up in front of the stage at
Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa.
“What parts of Iowa City help you live
life to the fullest?”
Answer: Having access to enjoy music
and the arts to the fullest. Hancher
provided sign language interpreters for
the recent Broadway musical that came
to town, RENT. It was absolutely
incredible! I may be deaf but I, like
many deaf/hard of hearing individuals,
have a deep appreciation for what
music brings especially when it's
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 7
combined with dance and theater. The lyrics, the lights, the vibrations, the deep satisfaction in
your soul as you smile thoroughly...Priceless.
Photo description:
Taken from the top of
the bleachers within
Kinnick Stadium
during a University of
Iowa football game.
The photo captures
almost the whole field
facing the Hawkeyes’s
endzone. The sun is
setting.
“If you could change
one thing about Iowa
City to better support
you and your
disability, what would
you do?”
Answer: Provide captions everywhere whenever there's overhead announcements and videos!
Two deaf friends and I recently attended an Iowa game. Before arrival, we were excited to learn
that the Kinnick Stadium included captions only to be disappointed with the very limited access
to communication that was actually provided. There's minimal live captioning available on the
bottom left of the giant screen and it's very hard to read due to its small size and location. When
post-production videos and advertisements were shown on the screen, no captions appeared
(ironically captions appear when the same advertisements and videos are shown on TV or
online). Only select announcements were captioned. Of course, we still enjoyed watching the
game & fireworks, doing the sweet traditional wave at the children in the hospital, and cheering
loudly for our Hawks!
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 8
IMPACTS AND CHANGE PROCESS GOALS
Participant Change Process
Vis-Ability intends to empower Iowa City residents with disabilities to self-advocate for
increased equity and social inclusion through community discussion, awareness activities, and
policy development. During bi-weekly peer groups, participants will be able to openly discuss
barriers they have faced, steps the community has made toward reducing barriers, and the
importance of sustaining efforts on behalf of the disability community. We expect that peer
sessions will allow for a reduction in isolation of marginalized individuals through engagement
with peers and their community. We also expect that the peer sessions will allow participants to
feel validation regarding their experiences and provide personal artistic growth and found voices.
Photo prompts will be provided, but participants will have the flexibility to decide what topics
they would like to focus on within the provided prompts. Additionally, a baseline and ending
survey will be provided to participants in order to measure their feelings of empowerment and
self-advocacy growth.
Community Change Process
A traveling exhibit will be held following the completion of peer sessions in order to
display the artistic photos and the captioned narratives created. During exhibit opening
celebrations, community discussion events will take place with the goal of raising awareness to
access related issues within the community. Discussions will focus on reducing barriers,
celebtrating progress, and strategies to lower incedences of community stereotyping, stigma,
prejudice, and discrimination. Community members will be able to interact with the exhibit on
their own following opening events as it will be displayed within a public setting for a longer
duration of time. It is also a goal of Vis-Ability to establish strong partnerships with policy
professionals and stakeholders within the community who specialize in disability and so the exhibit
promotion process will include invitations as well. Community impact will be measured by tracking
attendance rates and through the administration of awareness surveys following discussion events.
PRE-SESSION PREPARATION
Participant Selection Process and Criteria
Vis-Ability will have up to ten participants for pilot programming. Participants must be adults
over eighteen years of age and have guardian permission when applicable. Participants must also be Iowa
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 9
City residents who have some type of a disability. Access 2 Independence does not require proof of
diagnosis, thus self-disclosure of having a disability is accepted. Further, participants from all
backgrounds are included, as Vis-Ability will not discriminate based on race or socioeconomic status. It is
also required that each participant do or direct the work themselves, which includes taking or setting up
photos and communicating during discussions. Participants are allowed the assistance of support staff and
accommodations as long as the ideas come from participants themselves.
Vis-Ability will have open enrollment. Due to the fact that Vis-Ability only has funds for ten
participants, we are not able to select more participants to cover for attrition. Therefore, it is important to
find dedicated participants. We are unsure how popular our program will be as this is a pilot program, and
so we do not have a good idea of how many individuals might apply to participate. If more than ten
individuals apply, final decisions will be made by Access 2 Independence’s Executive Director and Board
of Directors. In order to narrow down participant selection of individuals meeting all the prior criteria,
A2I might ask about one’s willingness to write or communicate photography narratives, participate in
discussions, and use creativity. This may be done in a brief interview format either in person or over the
phone. Vis-Ability would also like to hear from new and unheard voices within the community. Thereon,
if an individual is an already well-known advocate within Iowa City, their application may have less
weight than a novel applicant in order to provide opportunity for advocate growth within Iowa City.
Finally, it is preferred, but not required, that participants attend one of the information sessions prior to
program implementation.
The following list is a participant criteria checklist:
❏Adult, over 18 years of age
❏Guardian permission, if applicable
❏Resident of Iowa City
❏Has a disability
❏Ability to participate and choose to participate on one’s own, with supports and accommodations
as needed
To be used by ED and Board if more than ten individuals apply:
❏Willingness to communicate photography narratives
❏Willingness to participate in discussions
❏Willingness to be creative
❏Not an already well-known advocate
Requirement to continue in the program after participation has been accepted:
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 10
❏Attend one of two information sessions (optional, but recommended)
Participant Recruitment Process
The opportunity for Vis-Ability enrollment will be provided within our quarterly newsletter and
promoted on our facebook page. Informative flyers will also be sent out to Iowa City agencies, including
day programs, R-place and other mental health drop-in centers for example.We plan to work with Public
Access TV as well. Promotion will include an agency letter with brief information about photovoice
projects, Vis-Ability’s goals, and A2I contact information. All types of information should further
mention meeting dates and times for commitment purposes and mention that only ten participant spots are
available, but Vis-Ability intends to repeat itself so there will be future opportunities as well.
Finally, no handpicking of participants will be done or allowed. Our team has chosen these methods of
promotion to ensure that we reach many individuals who meet our participants criteria without further,
unintentional bias regarding what disabilities, topics, and concerns are voiced.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Vis-Ability will host two program information sessions lasting one hour each. All interested
participants will be expected to attend one information session. We have scheduled two information
sessions to accommodate schedules. These sessions will include a short presentation to provide interested
participants with general information about what photovoice is. We plan to find and show a video to make
this aspect of the session more interesting/ visually involved. Example photos from other photovoice
projects should be shown. The second aspect of information sessions will include discussing components
specific to Vis-Ability, such as session structure, outcome goals, transportation options, time
commitment, and general participant tasks and expectations. It is important that interested participants
understand the time duration involved in participating as it is a lengthy commitment. Participant
calendars should be handed out and explained in full, including expectations to do work outside the
scheduled meeting times. These calendars include meetings dates, times, and locations. Participants will
then be able to ask Access 2 Independence staff questions and discuss any further concerns.
Information Session Outline:
1.Photovoice presentation and video (20 minutes)
2.Vis-Ability Components (20 minutes)
a.Outcome goals, for participants and community
b.Session structure
c.Time commitment
i.Participant Calendars
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 11
d.General participant tasks/expectations
e. Transportation options
3.Question/ Answer time (20 minutes)
Recording
During information sessions, it is important to record any materials used, set up and tear
down procceedures, attendance rates, feedback, how interested participants heard about Vis-Ability, and
any accommodations and their costs.
ORIENTATION (Optional)
Following the information sessions, Vis-Ability will host a separate one hour orientation for all
chosen participants. Orientation will further explain participant expectations and several forms will need
to be completed. First, Vis-Ability’s Attendance Policy will be provided and explained. During this time,
transportation for participants and support staff should also be explained. Group norms and participant
roles will then be discussed. This will include peer session expectations such as confidentiality, photo
sharing and discussion, and the expectation to do outside when taking pictures on one’s own during off
weeks. Participants should fill out the Participant Rights and Responsibilities Agreement Form. It is
likely that participants may be featured within photographs created through Vis-Ability, and so
participants should also be provided with the Consent to Photograph Form.
It is also important that participants begin to get to know each other during orientation, as they
will be participating in discussions and providing peer support to each other. Thus, an Icebreaker
Activity will be facilitated for participant introductions. Orientation will then close with participants
completing the Baseline Survey in order to get a measure of their initial level of self-advocacy skills and
feelings of empowerment.
Orientation Session Outline:
1.Participant expectations discussion (20 minutes)
a.Attendance policy
i.Transportation details
b.Peer session norms
i.Confidentiality
ii.Photo sharing and discussion
iii.Outside work expectations
c.Forms
i.Participant Rights and Responsibilities Agreement Form
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 12
ii.Consent to Photograph Form
2.Participant Introductions (20 minutes)
a.Icebreaker Activity
3.Baseline Survey (20 minutes)
Recording
During Orientation, it is important to record transportation costs and use of vouchers,
camera use and any necessary replacements, setup and teardown procedures, attendance rates, participant
feedback, and any accomodations and their costs.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE (Orientation may be combined into this class)
Camera Usage Course
Participants will need to have a basic understanding of how to use the camera provided to
them. The photography course should cover basic camera functions and settings. This should include
saving and deleting images, zoom, focus, flash/lighting, SD card usage, etc.
Photography Tips Course
Quality photography requires more than simply knowing how to use a camera’s
functions. Thus, it is important to provide participants with further photography tips and skills. The
photography course should be led by someone with photography and artistic experience. Vis-Ability’s
photography course will be led by one of our own staff who is a photographer. If there is no one within
the agency with photography experience, we suggest partnering with an experienced photographer or
photography club within the community. Subject, perspective, color, and contrast should all be discussed
throughout the course.
Participants must first have an idea about what to take pictures of; the subject of their
photographs. Vis-Ability photographs need to focus on a message or story that can be communicated to
viewers. Without a well thought out subject, photographs cannot be utilized as effective advocacy tools. A
discussion should be held for participants to consider what to take pictures of. Subject suggestions should
include but are not limited to:
●What participants are satisfied or dissatisfied with within their community
●What participants want to tell others about themselves and their experiences
●What participants value and find important for themselves
●What resources and helpful or needed within their community
●What everyday life looks like for participants
●What participants do to participate in the community
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 13
Perspective is vital in regards to communicating information about depth, space, and distance.
Perspective thereon assists with communicating experience of a real-life environment that isn’t flat. To
provide a few examples, perspective can be used to demonstrate how height placement can affect one’s
ability to reach and space can demonstrate mobility and accessibility of wheelchair users or blind
individuals. The use, or lack of, color can increase photography’s ability to storytell by suggesting
emotions/ mood and focal points. Further, color can then provide information regarding sadness,
happiness, energy level, weather, or time of day. As a further example of how color may be utilized, a
student with a disability might use color to demonstrate how a classroom full of brightly colored posters
can be distracting. Finally, it is important to ensure that photographs utilize contrast. Contrast allows
images to be visually pleasing, have a focal point, show texture, etc. As an example of utilizing contrast, a
participant who has trouble with mobility on uneven ground may want to photograph a space that has
texture contrast between a flat walking surface and a rough or bumpy walking surface.
Photography Safety and Ethics Discussion
While discussing photography, it is also important to note ethical considerations and safety.
Informed consent forms will be administered for participants in order to utilize photos for exhibits and
promotions when participants are identifiable or photos are taken within their homes or businesses. There
will also need to be a discussion regarding how to use photo consent forms if others are shown in
participants’ photos. Again, this will include receiving consent from community members when they are
identifiable or within their homes and businesses as well. Identifiable images refer to when individuals
can be recognized, including when their face is shown, or when specific tattoos and other markings are
shown. Consent should also be received when photographing minors as well. Receiving informed
consent for these types of images will avoid privacy violations. Further, the photographs taken by
participants will need to tell a story and will include narratives when exhibited. Thus, it is important that
such text is accurate and truthful to what was pictured and occured. Images featuring community
members must not risk harming one’s reputation, employment, status, individual liberty, or safety in any
way. Consent is not necessary when photographing the environment, public settings, large crowds
including individuals who are too small to be recognized, and people who can not be identified.
Moreover, participants should be encouraged to protect their own safety by not entering
dangerous places or situations. They should not do anything they wouldn’t normally do or go anywhere
they wouldn’t normally go. Participants should be free from physical harm as well as emotional harm,
harm to their own reputations, financial harm, etc. These safety factors should be brought up in an open
discussion to make participants aware in order to eliminate risk.
The Camera Policy Form should be administered prior to the photography course completion.
This form lays out guidelines and responsibilities for utilizing borrowed camera equipment and should be
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 14
signed by all receiving participants. The final step of the photography course session is to provide the first
set of Photography Prompts to participants. Time should be allowed to openly discuss the questions to
ensure that participants understand the prompts and feel comfortable moving forward in the direction they
choose to go. Participants should be encouraged to decide on their own what specific topics they would
like to focus within the given prompts. As an example, a student may choose to focus on going to school
with a disability. Theron, prompts are meant to be open-ended and vague. The SHOWED Worksheet
should be given to participants along with prompts so that they can begin to produce narratives for their
images.
Photography Course Facilitation Outline:
1.Camera Usage Course (30 minutes)
2.Photography Tips Course (25 minutes)
3.Photography Safety and Ethic Discussion (30 minutes)
a.Camera Policy Form (5 minutes)
b.Photography Prompts, With Discussion (30 minutes)
i.SHOWED worksheet
Recording
During the photography course, it is important to record transportation costs and use of vouchers,
camera use and any necessary replacements, setup and teardown procedures, attendance rates, participant
feedback, and any accomodations and their costs .
SESSIONS 1 and 2
All three peer sessions will last 2 hours. The first hour will be reserved for photo sharing
discussion. Participants will choose one photo relating to each photo prompt to discuss with the group.
Each participant will share three of their photos, for a total of up to 30 photos being shared. Images will
be shown through a projector. The total number of photos taken by each participant should be recorded in
order to get a participation measure. We expect that approximately ten photos should be taken by each
individual. Participants will be allowed an opportunity to tell the group about their images and can utilize
their SHOWED Worksheet as a guide. Viewers should be allowed an opportunity to ask questions and
give feedback. Following photo sharing, there will be 30 minutes reserved for discussing larger group
themes and further community needs and concerns that arose. The remainder of the session will be
devoted to discussing the next set of prompts so that participants walk away with ideas and and
understanding of the questions provided. Prior to their departure, participants will have an opportunity to
complete the Feedback Form, giving their input on how the session went and the ability to offer
suggestions for the future.
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 15
Sessions 1 Outline:
1.Participant photo sharing (50 minutes)
a.Participation measure
2.Large group themes discussion (30 minutes)
3.New prompts discussion (30 minutes)
4.Feedback (10 minutes)
Peer Session 2 will follow the same general outline as peer session 1 while adapting to any
changes suggested from previous participant feedback.
Recording
During Peer Sessions 1 and 2, it is important to record transportation costs and use of vouchers,
camera use and any necessary replacements, setup and teardown procedures, attendance rates, the number
of photos taken by each participant, and participant feedback, and any accomodations and their costs.
CLOSING SESSION
Session Agenda
The third and final peer session will follow part 1 of the previous sessions. Part 2, the theme
discussion, will then be altered towards a focus on discussing the importance of social inclusion and
artistic advocacy and growth. Facilitators should have a few questions related to these two themes
prepared to open the group discussion. The Post Survey, which will include rating scales equal to those
of the Baseline Survey for comparison and a few new open ended questions, should be administered and
completed by all participants during this time. The session will then close with photo and exhibit
development. Participants will be able to develop their ideas, thoughts, and narratives for exhibition.
Closing Session Outline:
1.Participant photo sharing (50 minutes)
a.Participation measure
2.Peer Discussions (30 minutes total)
a.Importance of social inclusion discussion (15 minutes)
b.Artistic advocacy and growth discussion (15 minutes)
i.Post survey (20 minutes)
3.Exhibit development (20 minutes)
Recording
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 16
During the closing peer session , it is important to record transportation costs and use of vouchers,
camera use and any necessary replacements, setup and teardown procedures, attendance rates, the number
of photos taken by each participant, and participant feedback, and any accomodations and their costs.
WRAP-UP CELEBRATION MEETING
Last Meeting for Participants
A wrap-up celebration is a great way to highlight participant personal achievements made
throughout the program. Donations or business sponsorships can be utilized to purchase food and
beverages like pizza and soda. This additional time can be used to obtain additional participant feedback,
further exhibit planning, and foster community amongst participants. If there are any tasks remaining with
participants or program materials to be collected, this is the time to complete them in preparation for
community exhibiting of participant work.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Presentation and Display
Photographs taken by participants throughout peer sessions will be displayed within a traveling
community exhibit. There will be two exhibit locations with the start of each showing beginning one
month apart. The exhibit will be shown and open to the public for approximately one month at each of the
two locations. Exhibits will feature an opening celebration following set up. During this time, A2I staff
will have time available to briefly introduce the program and briefly present on common themes discussed
throughout prior peer sessions, opening up opportunity for community discussion. A2I intends to work
with community organizations with public, accessible spaces, that are frequently visited by a large
number of diverse community members. The Iowa City Public Library is one example location.
During opening celebrations it is also important to mention and provide community members
with the Community Awareness Survey. This survey will help track community participation,
engagement, awareness, and feedback. Blank community awareness surveys might also be left at exhibits
to be filled out by community members viewing on their own following exhibit openings. There can be a
drop box to place filled out surveys in, or they can be given to staff to collect, depending on the location.
Exhibit opening celebrations outline:
1.Open viewing time
2.Brief presentation
a.Introduction of Vis-Ability
b.Presentation of common themes
c.Community awareness surveys: mention, explain, pass out
3.Open discussion, open viewing time continue
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 17
The exhibit displays will include a total of ten photography posters. Each individual poster will
feature only one participant’s images. Nine images, one for each photography prompt, will be printed on
each poster. Participants will be able to take home the poster featuring their own images once exhibits are
complete. Narratives, which will be guided by the SHOWED worksheet, will be displayed next to each
participant's poster. The exhibit will also feature additional quotes and impactful statements throughout to
raise interest, draw viewers in, and highlight key concerns and themes.
Exhibit Exposure
Exhibits will be advertised through promotional brochures and flyers that will be placed
within community organizations, businesses, and in other available public spaces. Other agency partners
within the community will be given flyers to invite individuals. Volunteers should also play a part in the
promotion process of handing out flyers to maximize outreach. The promotion process will also involve
partnering with a newsource to get the word out to a larger audience. Finally, A2I plans to invite
individuals and family and friends of participants are also welcome. Establishing strong partnerships with
policy professionals who specialize in disability is yet another goal of Vis-Ability, and so A2I will work
to personally invite such individuals and agencies.
Free Will Donations
Free will donations will be accepted and encouraged during exhibit opening celebrations in order
to offset the cost of printing and transportation.
DEBRIEF AND CELEBRATION
SOCIAL ACTION
Establishing Recommendations
Vis-Ability holds the value of “nothing about us without us”, the idea that no policy
should be decided by any representative without full and direct participation of members of the
group(s) affected by that policy.
Presenting Recommendations to the City of Iowa City
ADVISORY TEAM
Advisory Team Role
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 18
A volunteer advisory team will be established in order for Vis-Abilty to receive outside
perspectives from additional professionals/persons with outside specialties who do not play a permanent
role in the programs development. The advisory team’s roles will include providing input and feedback
related to surveys and prompts, providing oversight and review for forms and policies, and providing
additional expertise input regarding the program timeline.
A2I expects that establishing an advisory team will also assist with Vis-Ability’s goal to build
professional community connections for outreach, future updates to the program, and policy crafting.
Team and Meeting Details
The first advisory team meeting will be in June. The team will consist of 4-6 members
with expertise in all three areas of Vis-Ability programming; disability-related professionals,
professionals with experience in policy development and research, and a photography or arts professional.
Example advisory team members include individuals from The Public Policy Center, The College of
Public Health, and The Center for Disability and Development.
WHAT TO RECORD
Vis-Ability received funding through the FY19 Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant. We are
obligated to report various measurements back to the city of Iowa City, our board of directors, and for
additional agency and funding purposes. These records and measurements will be used to answer
evaluation questions.
To evaluate input, involved staff, time, costs, transportation, equipment, materials, venues,
community partners, volunteers, local students, and interns will all need to be measured. The following
list lays out what to record. Additionally, when to record each measurement/ when each measurement is
applicable will be laid out within the facilitation guide session outlines. Further, it is specified if a
measurement is ongoing throughout the entire program process with no particular time. Ongoing
measurements should be noted with each program update as needed.
●Total number of individuals involved, as well as their roles, including:
○Staff (ongoing)
○Community partners (ongoing)
○Volunteers (ongoing)
○Local students (ongoing)
○Interns (ongoing)
●The program timeframe
●Program budget and costs, including:
○The original budget outlined within the grant
○Transportation costs and use of vouchers
○Camera purchase, use, and any necessary replacements
○Exhibit material purchases, use, and setup and teardown procedures
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 19
○Venue search, contracts, cost, and use
To evaluate performance, participation rates, community interest, and feedback from both
participants and community members should be recorded for measurement. The following list lays out
what should be tracked in this area:
●Program attendance rates
●Participant attendance
●Number of photos taken by each participant during peer sessions
●Participant feedback response forms
●Responses to community member surveys
To evaluate short term outcome, changes in participant self-advocacy skills, participant feelings
of empowerment, visibility of the Iowa City disability community experience, and influences policy and
recommendation developments need to be measured. The following list lays out what should be tracked in
this area:
●Participant pre/ baseline survey
●Participant post survey
●Community awareness survey
●Policy recommendation development process (ongoing)
○Policy recommendation partnerships (ongoing)
To evaluate long term outcome, changes in community social integration for participants,
awareness of the Iowa City disability community equity concerns, and policy making influenced by local
voices within the local disability community need to be recorded and measured. The following list lays
out what should be done/ tracked in this area:
●Survey participants 3 months after program completion
●Local coverage or mention of Vis-Ability (ongoing)
●Policy discussion and change related to Vis-Ability recommendations in Iowa City
(ongoing)
SURVEYS AND PROMPTS EXPLAINED
Pre and Post Group Participant Surveys
Survey Use Explanation
The pre and post group surveys for participants will be used as a comparison to analyze
the programs effects on participants in relation to our outcome goals. Our survey intends to
measure nine outcome goals, which include advocacy skills, feelings of validation, community
integration, found voices, increased equity, social inclusion/ reduced isolation, feeling of
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 20
empowerment, awareness of one’s own community, and artistic growth/creativity. They survey
includes fifteen statements, with at least two statements directly relating to each of these
outcome goals.
The two main participant outcome goals of Vis-Ability, feelings of empowerment and
self-advocacy skills, will also be the focus of the two open-ended questions in section 2 of the
surveys in order to allow for a more descriptive response.
Vis-Ability will utilize an outside advisory team as an additional check to ensure that the
provided statements and questions relate to the specified outcome goals and use appropriate
research methodology to the best of our ability.
Survey Administration:
Surveys should be as anonymous as possible. Participants should be given a participant
number that will be in place of their name or any other identification. Participant numbers will
only be used to compare pre and post surveys. Due to possible accommodation needs, it may not
be possible or practical to have 100% anonymous surveys. In such cases, someone other than
those individuals facilitating during survey administration should review the responses.
Survey Creation Process and Reasoning
Each chosen outcome goal identified within the survey relate to those within the initial
grant as well as our Access 2 Independence’s own agency goals. These goals were listed,
defined, and then turned into a brainstormed document that included 37 statements. Our team
decided a short survey was best due to possible barriers related to the participating population.
Our team then finalized the survey down to fifteen statements, enough to ensure there were at
least two statements directly related to each goal.
We chose to use a five point likert scale within our survey for simplicity in responding,
again with the intent to minimize participant barriers. The scale also allows for easy comparison
between the responses received through the pre and post surveys. Part 1 of each survey will be
the exact same. The two open ended questions in Part 2 of each survey will differ to provide
more information about participants thoughts and experiences with Vis-Ability.
Survey Key
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 21
The following list indicates which outcomes goals each survey statement relates to for
Part 1 of the survey. An average response score out of 5 should be determined for each outcome
goal in order to compare pre and post surveys. As an example, response scores from statements 3
and 9 would be averaged to determine one's level of feelings of validation. If the participant were
to respond with “3 neutral” and “4 disagree” for those statements, then there average response
score for feelings of validation would be 3.5. An average lower post survey response score
compared to the pre survey response score for an individual outcome goal would suggest
Vis-Ability produced a positive outcome. A higher post survey response score would suggest
Vis-Ability produced a negative outcome.
●Advocacy skills: statements 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 15
●Feelings of validation: statements 3 and 9
●Community integration: statements 3, 5, 7, 8, and 12
●Found voice: statements 5, 6, 8, 11
●Increased equity statements 3 and 6
●Social inclusion/ reduced isolation: statements 3, 8, 12
●Feelings of empowerment: statements 2, 11, 12
●One’s own awareness of their community: statements 7, 12, and 14
●Artistic growth/creativity: statements 4 and 15
Part 2 of each survey can not be directly compared in this format, however themes in
responses should be analyzed and used for discussion, policy and future programming interests.
Photography Prompts
There will be a total of nine photography prompts administered to participants. Sets of
three prompts will be given during the Photography Course and Peer Sessions 1 and 2. Eight
themes have been decided on to ensure there is a broad range in prompt topics. These themes
include independence, disability meaning, accommodations and accessibility, socialization/
recreation and leisure, barriers, inclusiveness and participation, identity, and safety and security.
Prompts are open ended with flexibility to allow for creativity. Participants should be encouraged to
decide on their own what specific topics they would like to focus within the given prompts. As an
example, a student may chose to focus on going to school with a disability. Each prompt should be
Vis-Ability Facilitation Guide 22
general rather than specific to any role or activity so that each participant can relate their own ideas.
Prompts are also meant to be balanced with positives (supports) and negatives (barriers) so that all sides
of a story are able to be depicted. The advisory team will also be given an opportunity to review all
prompts once developed to ensure they are worded appropriately and asking useful questions.
Community Awareness Survey
ADDITIONAL FORMS
Periodic Progress Report to the City of Iowa City
Social Justice and Racial Equity Project
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
Reporting Period: October 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019
Submitted by: Andrew Coghill-Behrends, Broadway Site Director
Project Narrative
On Friday, November 22, 2019, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County and the South District
Neighborhood Association collaborated to organize the Second Annual South District Thanksgiving
Feast. The event was hosted by Faith Academy/Parkview Church East and was sponsored by the City of
Iowa City, Black Voices Project, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, the Antelope Lending Library, NCJC
and SDNA. The event was free and open to the public and drew significantly more people than had
attended in 2018 - about 300-350 adults and children came together to enjoy a meal and community.
Residents of the South District and members of Parkview Church volunteered to serve the meal and
many attendees brought desserts to share. Audio equipment was provided by Faith Academy. Multiple
organizations were present to sponsor activities for children and first responders staffed the
“Thanksgiving Tree,” where attendees could write what they are thankful for on a paper leaf to affix to
the tree. Several elected officials were in attendance, as well, mingling with their constituents.
SJRE funding was designated for and expended on food purchases for the meal, tables and equipment,
supplies for crafts, and advertising. Two large in-kind contributions were made for the event which
were not anticipated. One of the steering committee members provided the chafing dishes/sterno
supplies for the event, eliminating the need for their rental. Additionally, NCJC’s Chef offered a steep
discount on the turkey for the meal, providing considerable savings.
Progress Toward Stated Goals
• By connecting local law enforcement (and other first responders) with South District residents
in community-building settings and building relationships with the community and its
members, we can impact the criminal justice at the pre-entry level and decrease
disproportionate minority contact and disparate outcomes.
Iowa City Police Department personnel and Iowa City Fire Department personnel were in attendance at
a community event which drew approximately 300-350 South District residents. Additionally, elected
officials were in attendance and were able to interact with residents of the South District.
• By developing strong relationships between South District businesses and residents, we can
create connections that may result in employment opportunities for South District community
members. Additionally, by making the South District more appealing to potential employers,
we can impact the availability of employment opportunities.
Regrettably, despite outreach, no South District businesses were in attendance for the Thanksgiving
Feast. More participation is anticipated for Taste of Broadway, which features local restaurants and
food trucks prominently in the design of the event.
• By developing strong and sustained relationships among residents, businesses, and service
agencies, we can increase the social capital and collective efficacy of the South District. Strong
social capital and collective efficacy have been shown to have positive effects in multiple
areas, including crime, cardiovascular disease and other health concerns, and mental health.
The Thanksgiving Feast was attended by not only residents of the South District, but first responders and
local service providers. The Antelope Lending Library was on site to offer children and families books
and activities to share. Habitat for Humanity sponsored a craft and a temporary tattoo booth. Faith
Academy/Parkview Church volunteers helped to sponsor a craft activity and assure that the night ran
smoothly. Overall, the providers and volunteers present were able to create and strengthen
relationships with and among residents of the South District.
Budget Summary
Total budget for National Night Out: $980.00
Total SJRE expenditures:
Sysco Food Service $307.80
HyVee $146.07
CostCo $72.56
Pip Printing $74.20
Facebook $40.00
Aero Rental $104.94
TOTAL: $745.57
In-kind Funds expended: $234.43
Total expenditures: $980.00
University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center
Amanda Heeren, LMSW
SJRE 2019-2020 Grant Update
Acceptance and Commitment therapy for Parolees and Probationers program has provided three in-
person learning sessions and collected focus group data from clients, corrections officers, and
corrections supervisors. Additionally, the curriculum has been scrutinized and updated after each in-
person session to reflect changes suggested by attendees and to improve the content and delivery.
Modifications to the approach originally outlined in the grant application have been required since the
beginning of the grant period due to barriers to participation among clients and staff of the DOC.
Additionally, the secondary goal of the grant, to create a standardized curriculum that can be rolled out
via Train-the-Trainer method in a second year had to be adapted due to the funding no longer being
available to UIHC. Finally, an extension to finish the project has been granted by the funding agency due
to the COVID19 epidemic; during this extension, the remaining objectives will be met. The report below
outlines the progress and changes to date.
Focus Groups
In person focus groups proved difficult to execute over the course of the first quarter of the grant,
specifically for clients of the DOC and for people of color within the administrative level of the DOC. In
response to this difficulty, the team adapted the in-person approach by asking the focus group
questions of the participants when they were contacted via phone to confirm enrollment into the
course. With this approach, we have so far been able to gather the “focus group data” via individual
interview with 9 clients of the DOC, including 4 people of color. Additionally, focus group data were
obtained from front line, managerial and administrative level of the 6th Judicial District with 9
participants from the DOC, including one person of color. Data was integrated into the curriculum design
to reflect the feedback of the clients and staff of the DOC.
Participation
We have held 3 session thus far. Registration has been 9 individuals for each session with 27
registrations (the grant goal was 10 per session). Unfortunately, the attendance has been significantly
less than those who pre-registered for the sessions. 14 of the registered participants attended the
sessions. Barriers including work day conflicts, previous appointments, and the length of the class have
been identified. At this time, we plan to host a final session once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
Curriculum/kit development
Following each session, the team reviewed feedback provided via the Group Satisfaction Survey and
integrated changes reflective of feedback from participants.
Update on dissemination plan
Originally, there was a section of the grant that discussed dissemination of the curriculum across the
Iowa Department of Corrections utilizing a train-the-trainer program. Due to changes in eligibility for
grantees, the University of Iowa was not able to apply for year two funding. In an effort to find a way to
roll out the program to parolees and probationers, the University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center is
partnering with the non-profit organization Inside Out to train their volunteers to administer the
program in the future.
From: Shams Ghoneim <shamsghoneim@mchsi.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:17 PM
To: Stefanie Bowers <Stefanie-Bowers@iowa-city.org>; Adrien K Wing <adrien-wing@uiowa.edu>; John
Barr <barrjohno@sau.edu>
Cc: Salam Al-Marayati <salam@mpac.org>
Subject: Alert hate speech affecting IA inmates
Dear Adrien, Stefanie, and John;
I am not sure if you are aware of the Islamophobic , homophobic, ugly , and appalling online comments
by Muscatine County jail administrator Dean Naylor that is likely to affect JC inmates sent there as part
of the agreement between our county and Muscatine county regarding the overcrowding in our jail. The
coverage is on the front age of today's IC Press Citizen. Please read Jailer's 'treatise' sparks concern
I pray that Iowa City Human Rights Commission, UI Center for Human Rights, and CRC can individually or
collectively address this abhorable statement by a government employee paid by our own tax dollars.
I submitted today a response letter to the ICPC for consideration and hope that all our local and county
wide organizations also issue a rebuke to such hateful sentiments during a raging Pandemic.
Than k you all for your ongoing brave stand against all hate and bias.
Best regards.
Shams Ghoneim