Commission votes to add long‑term services and supports and health equity as a second pillar

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities voted to make long‑term services and supports and health equity its second formal pillar.

After a broad discussion in which commissioners framed health equity as an umbrella for housing, transportation and social determinants of health, Charlie Carr moved that the commission adopt the new pillar; Chair Denise Gollick seconded the motion. Chair Gollick summarized how the commission intends to structure the work: subcommittee chairs will meet to refine the subcommittee title and responsibilities, and the executive board will convene in early 2025 so the subcommittee can begin work before the commission’s March meeting.

Commissioners explained the rationale: several members said workforce shortages, access to care and disparities in health services for people with disabilities are interlinked and that addressing health equity would allow the commission to convene partners across housing, transportation and long‑term services to protect community living and access to care.

The motion passed on a recorded consent vote of commissioners present; affirmations were recorded and the chair announced the motion carried. The commission scheduled its next full meeting for March 12 and directed subcommittee chairs and the executive board to coordinate planning and membership for the new pillar.

What happens next: subcommittee chairs will meet to define scope and avoid duplication with existing workforce efforts; the commission will recruit members for the new subcommittee and expects subcommittee activity to be underway ahead of the March 12 meeting.