Committee recommends creating an All Abilities advisory board; draft mission to go to full council

The Boards & Commissions Committee agreed on a consensus recommendation to create an All Abilities Advocacy advisory board and asked staff to take a draft mission statement and proposed criteria to the full council for direction.

Committee members discussed purpose and membership. Staff highlighted existing ADA complaint processes handled by a legal compliance specialist and noted that parks, libraries, special events and other departments already work with outside partners on inclusion. Committee members said an advisory board would provide a citizen voice to identify accessibility gaps and recommend improvements, while formal ADA complaints would continue through existing staff channels.

A draft mission statement circulated by staff and committee members read in part: the board would "exist to advocate for, support, and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs and their families," and might advise council and staff on policies, identify gaps in accessibility, raise awareness and promote collaboration among city, schools, nonprofits and businesses.

Members emphasized appointing a diverse membership with life experience across different disabilities. Some committee members said council should use discretion during appointments to avoid a board composed solely of one type of experience; others cautioned against too-stringent eligibility rules that could limit representation.

Ending: The committee asked staff to forward the draft mission statement and suggested criteria to the full council as a starting point for discussion and for council to consider bylaws and appointment criteria. No formal vote was recorded at the committee meeting.