Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities

This Committee was established by Mayor Freddie O'Connell Executive Order Number 052. The purpose of the Committee will be to promote public education and awareness of the contributions, potentials, and needs of individuals with disabilities. The Committee will advocate for policies which promote self-determination and independence of persons with disabilities. The Committee will work with the Mayor's office liaison to make recommendations to the Mayor and to respond to inquiries from the Mayor concerning matters that need to be addressed involving individuals with disabilities.

The Committee consists of twenty-four to thirty-six advisors and officers. Membership is maintained so that one-third of the members are persons with disabilities, one-third are family members of persons with disabilities or advocates, and one-third are professional and business persons from both the private and public sectors, interested citizens, or elected officials. Committee members are appointed by the Mayor to serve up to two consecutive two-year terms. The Committee meets, at least, on a quarterly basis and has authority to adopt by-laws, elect officers, and establish sub-committees.

It is the Committee’s mission to:

1. Promote public education and awareness of the contributions, potentials, and needs of individuals with disabilities and their families;
2. Advocate public and private policies and practices which promote self-determination and independence of persons with disabilities and their families;
3. Coordinate local activities on behalf of people with disabilities and their families;
4. Work with a liaison from the Mayor’s office to make recommendations to the Mayor and to respond to inquiries from the Mayor concerning problems that need to be addressed involving disabled individuals; and
5. Work with the ADA Implementation Committee, when requested, to address problems confronting disabled individuals.