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Disability Issues Advisory Board outlines recommendations; asks for faster accommodation timelines and clearer policy alignment
Summary
The Disability Issues Advisory Board (DIAB) presented a preliminary report asking the board to rename the advisory body, expand its scope, address long delays in reasonable accommodation requests, and request a formal board response by Aug. 31, 2025.
The Disability Issues Advisory Board (DIAB) presented an abbreviated preliminary report to the Prince George's County Board of Education on June 26 that detailed findings and recommendations on accessibility, staffing, facilities and policy alignment.
DIAB Vice Chair Theresa Smith summarized months of work across subcommittees and requested a formal board response by Aug. 31, 2025. Among the primary recommendations: rename the advisory board to better reflect inclusion and the social model of disability (suggestions included Advisory Council on Disability Affairs or Advisory Board on Disability Rights); expand the group’s charter to expressly cover IDEA compliance, seclusion and restraint practices and digital accessibility; and stagger member appointments to preserve institutional memory.
A central operational finding: DIAB reported “severe delays in processing reasonable accommodation requests, now averaging over 100 days,” and urged restoring a 30-day timeline within six months and giving principals authority to take interim actions while accommodation requests are processed. The group also recommended improved pay, benefits and training for dedicated disability-service staff to increase retention, and asked for a cross-reference guide between DIAB recommendations and district policies.
Why it matters: Recommendations affect students and staff with disabilities across PGCPS and touch IDEA compliance, accessibility of facilities and digital assets, and timelines for legally required accommodations.
Board requests and next steps: DIAB asked the board to formally review the detailed report, meet with the policy and governance committee, address data collection delays and develop a staff-facing ADA survey. DIAB also clarified it does not seek authority over the County’s CCAC (state-mandated community-based assessment body) but asked for collaborative engagement.
Ending: DIAB requested continued collaboration to refine recommendations; the board accepted the presentation and DIAB asked for a written response and direction by Aug. 31, 2025.
