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Blue Ribbon Committee previews business ‘partner pledge’ and verification steps for accessibility

3491341 · May 24, 2025
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Summary

Committee members heard a presentation on a business partner pledge with bronze/silver/gold levels and discussed linking local businesses to a Conventions and Visitors Bureau accessibility verification program.

Members of the City of Laredo Blue Ribbon Committee for People with Disabilities reviewed a community-facing “partner pledge” intended to encourage local businesses to adopt accessibility practices and discussed coordination with a destination verification initiative promoted by the Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

A presenter described the partner pledge as a voluntary set of commitments businesses can take to improve access and customer service for people with disabilities. The pledge includes three medal levels — bronze, silver and gold — tied to progressively stronger training and accommodations. “The partner pledge is a pledge made by organizations and businesses to further opportunities for persons with disabilities to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence and productivity,” the presenter said.

The presenter explained the bronze level represents basic commitments such as completing introductory training; higher levels require more comprehensive policies and staff training. Training modules were described as modular and self‑paced; one committee member later asked about length and was told the training can be about 60 minutes per module.

Committee members also discussed a Conventions and Visitors Bureau initiative to produce a “world verified” destination listing for establishments that complete an accessibility checklist and walkthrough. A Parks and Recreation staff member said the CVB program included an external assessor who verifies accessibility and then lists businesses in a traveler‑facing network. The committee agreed to share the CVB link with members and invited feedback about further local participation.

Discussion only: the transcript records informational briefings and committee discussion; no formal endorsement, pledge adoption, or budget motion appears in the record.