In July of 2000, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities was created by executive order. The Committee consists of twenty-four to thirty-six advisors and officers. Membership is maintained so that one-third of the members are persons with disabilities, one-third are family members of persons with disabilities or advocates, and one-third are professional and business persons from both the private and public sectors, interested citizens, or elected officials. Committee members are appointed by the Mayor to serve up to two consecutive two-year terms. The Committee meets, at least, on a quarterly basis and has authority to adopt by-laws, elect officers, and establish sub-committees.
It is the Committee’s mission to:
- promote public education and awareness of the contributions, potentials, and needs of individuals with disabilities and their families;
- advocate public and private policies and practices which promote self-determination and independence of persons with disabilities and their families;
- coordinate local activities on behalf of people with disabilities and their families;
- work with a liaison from the Mayor’s office to make recommendations to the Mayor and to respond to inquiries from the Mayor concerning problems that need to be addressed involving disabled individuals; and
- work with the ADA Implementation Committee, when requested, to address problems confronting disabled individuals.
Relay Service
7-1-1 Relay Service allows people with hearing or speech disabilities who use text telephones or teletypewriters (TTYs) to have telephone conversations with people who do not have TTYs. Dialing 7-1-1 works whether or not the person placing the call is using a TTY since communications assistants use voice and TTY. The confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and local calls are free of charge, however long distance toll charges may apply.
Internet Protocol or IP Relay Service offers a communication alternative for people with hearing or speech disabilities who have an Internet connection. Local and long distance communications by IP Relay Service are free of charge. The service can be accessed at: T-Mobile IP Relay Service.