ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is currently seeking applicants, specifically those who have a disability, are relatives of a person with a disability or are members of the general public, to serve on Howard County’s Commission on Disabilities. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 14th.
The Commission on Disabilities plays a vital role in supporting the needs of persons with disabilities in Howard County by addressing challenges with housing, transportation, recreation, employment and more. I encourage community members to apply to serve on the Commission and take part in our efforts to ensure that people of all ages and abilities feel welcome and empowered in Howard County.
Established in 1988, the Commission on Disabilities is comprised of 15 members who serve three-year terms each and include people with disabilities, service providers, family members of people with disabilities, and other members of the public. The Commission is tasked with increasing public awareness of disability-related issues, serving in an advisory capacity on County programs, policies and budget, and assisting the County to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Howard County residents, 18 years of age or older, have a disability, are relatives of a person with a disability or are members of the general public, have an interest in and/or experience with matters involving persons with disabilities, and be able to attend the Commission's meetings. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month, February through December, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at a location to be determined by the Commission.
The Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of ADA Coordination provides technical assistance to the public and county government to ensure that disability-related policies, procedures, and practices are implemented in compliance with the ADA and other disability rights laws. The Office also provides informal guidance to the public in disability rights matters involving non-public entities.
Interested applicants should email Paul Thompson at ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov with “Commission on Disabilities” in the subject line and their home address and contact information in the body of the email. Included with the email, applicants should attach their resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the commission and their qualifications. Applicants are asked not to include their contact information, i.e., home address, phone number(s) and email address, on their resume and cover letter.
The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.
For more information on the Commission on Disabilities, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/CoD or contact Michelle Henry, ADA Coordinator, at 410-313-6431 (voice/relay) or email mhenry@howardcountymd.gov.