The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 51
Subject: Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities
I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
I. The Metropolitan Government hereby reaffirms its commitment not to discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission in, access to, or operation of the programs, services and activities it offers to the public.
II. The Metropolitan Government continues to make a concerted effort to identify and effectuate those changes that will assist it in maintaining continued compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
III. The Metropolitan Government recognizes that accessibility, once achieved, must be maintained, and new constructions, additions, or alterations of its facilities must be monitored for continued compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
IV. An Advisory Committee composed of persons with disabilities, family members and advocates of persons with disabilities, and interested citizens is an important means to assure that the needs and interests of people with disabilities are given full consideration by the Metropolitan Government.
V. Therefore, there is hereby created an Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (“Advisory Committee”) for the Metropolitan Government.
A. Composition of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of a maximum of twelve (12) members. Membership will be maintained so that one-third of the members shall be persons with disabilities, one-third shall be advocates or family members of persons with disabilities, and one-third shall be professional and business persons from both the private and public sectors, interested citizens, or elected officials.
B. Appointment and Term.
Advisory Committee members shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall serve two-year terms. No Advisory Committee member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
C. Duties of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall:
a. Promote public education and awareness of the contributions, potentials, and needs of individuals with disabilities and their families;
b. Advocate public and private policies, practices and procedures which promote self-determination and independence of persons with disabilities and their families;
c. Coordinate local activities on behalf of people with disabilities and their families; and
d. Work with a liaison from the Mayor's office 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.
D. Meetings and Operations of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall meet on a quarterly basis. The Advisory Committee shall adopt bylaws and elect individuals to serve as officers. The Advisory Committee shall set up sub-committees as necessary to perform its duties.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: July 26, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor