Committee to
Advocate for
Persons with
Impairments
CAPI (The Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments) is a group of residents appointed by the Mayor with advice and consent of City Council. The function of CAPI is to advise City Council on issues and to advocate on behalf of persons with impairments. CAPI provides the city with guidance relative to the concerns, rights, special needs and dignity of persons with impairments to insure their full participation in and enjoyment of the city's facilities, programs and services.
Since its inception in 1972, CAPI has advised the city of St. Petersburg on many issues concerning the needs and rights of persons who are disabled. Additionally, CAPI has taken a leadership position in recommending improvements to city facilities, including funding of accessible city playgrounds.
CAPI encourages comments and suggestions from the public about issues that prevent or inhibit full use and enjoyment of any facility, service or program under the city's jurisdiction. Regular meetings are conducted on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Time for public comment is provided at each meeting. You may call the Community Affairs Department at 893-7345 for information about meetings and accessibility issues.
CAPI CAN HELP
The city and CAPI are concerned with the quality of life of St. Petersburg's residents and visitors, including issues that affect persons with impairments. The primary areas addressed by CAPI are:
Compliance
CAPI provides guidance to the city in its implementation of regulations that benefit persons with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Awareness
A goal of CAPI is to assist residents and others to become aware of the city's interest in persons with impairments and the opportunities the city provides for those who have mobility or other limitations.
Housing
The Committee works with the city to review available accessible housing.
Transportation
The concerns of residents with disabilities who use mass transit are addressed on an ongoing basis. CAPI members attend public transit meetings and assist in advising the city on issues related to transportation.
Leisure and Fitness
The city of St. Petersburg offers excellent leisure, fitness, sports and play opportunities for residents and visitors. CAPI advocates for accessibility in parks, playgrounds, and other Leisure Services facilities and functions. CAPI also advises on accessibility of commercial endeavors and events that take place on city property.
CAPI FEATURES:
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Golf Cart:
The single rider golf cart allows a wheelchair user or golfer with mobility limitations to play a round of golf directly from the cart, using a swivel type seat. |
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| Beach Chair:
CAPI funded (2002) the purchase of these beach wheelchairs. |
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Hoyer Lift :
3 lifts were purchased by CAPI to facilitate the sailing program for persons with disabilities that is offered by Sailing Alternatives, Inc. |
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Marina Ramp:
This ramp was funded by the CAPI Committee to facilitate access to the dock and also to facilitate the Sailing Alternatives, Inc. program |
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Playgrounds:
The city offers a number of accessible playgrounds. |
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Tub Out Service
The city uses an automated garbage service with special containers. To accommodate persons with disabilities who cannot maneuver these containers, the city offers a "Tub Out Service" at no additional charge. A person must submit a cetification form along with a doctor's cetificate.
Download Tub Out Service Certification Form (PDF)
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City Hall Ramp
The St. Petersburg City Hall is a historic building with a significant
number of steps to the first floor. This ramp provides access to the basement. The elevator, which offers access to the upper floors, has been upgraded.
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Coliseum Ramp
The Coliseum is a historic building with steps to the front entrance. This ramp was built so as to maintain the aesthetics of the building. |
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| Council Dais Ramp |
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Volunteer Road Patrol
The city's Police Department has a Volunteer Road Patrol unit and within that unit there is a Disabled Parking Enforcement cadre. The training program and the building where the training takes place is accessible. For those members of the Road Patrol who use adaptive driving equipment, the city offers a mileage rate reimbursement for the use of their personal vehicles.
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Wheelchair Van
CAPI funded the purchase of this van for the Therapeutic Recreation program. It can seat 20 persons or 8 wheelchairs. |
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| Council Lectern |
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Visitability Ordinance
