Frederick County disability panel prioritizes PSAs, accessible communications and voter access at annual retreat

At a Jan. 11 annual retreat, the Frederick County Commission on Disabilities adopted a set of outreach and accessibility priorities aimed at raising public awareness and improving access to government and community services.

Kevin Welker, chair of the commission, opened the retreat at 10 a.m. and called a goal-setting session led by Bob Gunter, who presented options for the commission’s next year of work. Members used a sticker-ranking exercise to indicate priorities. The top items that emerged were improved accessible communications, a disability-etiquette public service announcement and business education and community outreach to raise awareness of the commission’s role.

Commissioners said they want more access to special-education screenings, better accessibility at government buildings and expanded voter-registration and polling-place access ahead of the midterm elections. Several members raised safety concerns in Oakdale public schools and the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement interactions involving Spanish-speaking people with disabilities and members of the Deaf community; those concerns were recorded for follow-up but no formal action was taken at the retreat.

The commission agreed to explore partner outreach, including working with tourism officials to recognize accessible businesses and to develop emergency-preparedness communications that account for accessibility needs. The group discussed feasibility and next steps for each priority and designated follow-up work as part of subsequent workgroups.

The commission plans public-facing materials and advocacy in the coming weeks, and members flagged an upcoming Centers for Independent Living hearing in Annapolis on Feb. 26 as a near-term advocacy opportunity. The retreat adjourned at 1 p.m.