Explanation
1. Background
This legislation establishes and codifies the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues (the “Commission”).
The Committee on Disability Issues was formally established in 1999 by operation of Ordinance No. 896-99, adopted by Columbus City Council on April 19, 1999, and signed into law by the Mayor on April 20, 1999. Among the Committee’s purposes was to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council as to issues involving citizens with disabilities. Over time, the committee became known as the Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (“CACDI”). Since its establishment, CACDI has endeavored to identify actions, make recommendations, and support programs that assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and other disability-related legislation, both on the federal and state levels. CACDI is staffed by the City’s ADA Coordinator, who is located within the Department of Human Resources.
CACDI submits this legislation for City Council’s consideration to increase the visibility and accessibility of CACDI’s mission. Approximately 13% of the total population of the City of Columbus lives with a disability. CACDI has been an advocate for the disability community in Columbus for decades. By codifying CACDI’s role and establishing the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues, City Council aims to bring greater visibility and attention to disability issues within the City.
This legislation also authorizes the Commission to conduct its meetings in person or by means of teleconference, videoconference, or other similar electronic technology, or by a combination of in-person and electronic means. Such authorization is integral to the work of the Commission to provide a greater level of access not only to Commission members with disabilities, but also to the general public and disability community to be able to meaningfully participate in Commission meetings.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
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