The City of Southlake on Wednesday introduced a new Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities and issued a proclamation recognizing October as Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month.

Community Services Director David Miller told council the new body, to be called the ACPD, will advise council on policies and programs that affect residents with disabilities. "The purpose of the ACPD is to act as an advisory body to the city council," Miller said, describing the commission’s role "under policy guidance informed by the experiences and insights of residents with disabilities."

Why it matters: The commission is intended to bring resident experience into municipal policy choices on accessibility, employment, education and social activities and to provide an ongoing advisory role rather than a one-off event-based focus.

Commission structure and members

Miller introduced the members present: Jay Wahid; Mark Flores (secretary); Ryan Jacobson; David Cunningham; Holly Bernbach (vice chair); Lauren McCaskill (chair); Anne Marie Walker; and Orlando Borges (alternate). Some members told council they bring direct experience as parents of children with disabilities.

"Every one of us on this commission has a child with a disability," Lauren McCaskill said. "We have all walked the road, and we have all been involved in some kind of leadership role in the community and supporting our kids with disabilities." She described the commission as a potential "game changer" for the city.

Proclamation and alignment with state recognition

Miller noted the month was established by the Texas Legislature in 2011 and that Governor Abbott recently issued a statewide proclamation designating October as Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month. Mayor Sean McCaskill read the city’s proclamation and thanked volunteers and staff for creating the commission. "The city of Southlake proudly joins governor Abbott and the state of Texas in recognizing the month of October as a time to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities," the mayor read.

What happens next

Council and staff said they will support the commission with administrative resources and that the commission will begin developing priorities, outreach, and program recommendations. No ordinance changes were proposed Wednesday; the item was a recognition and organizational step to create the advisory body.

Ending

Council members praised volunteers for offering their time and said they expect the commission to focus on accessibility, inclusion and practical programs affecting residents of all ages.