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, members of the general public or are board or staff members of an agency providing services to persons with disabilities, to serve on Howard County’s Commission on Disabilities. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 27th.
We remain committed to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, to ensure they are able to thrive in all facets of life in our community. This Commission plays a vital role working towards this goal, addressing challenges with housing, transit, recreation, and more so 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 strive to increase public awareness of disability-related issues, serve in an advisory capacity on Howard County Government programs, policies and budget, and assist 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. Commissioners serve three-year terms and include people with disabilities, service providers, family members of people with disabilities and the community-at-large.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Howard County residents, 18 years of age or older, have an interest in and/or experience with matters involving persons with disabilities, and be able to attend the Commission's meetings, which 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.
Applicants should send a resume and brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim, either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and then to the County Council for confirmation.
The Department of Community Resource 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 conformance 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.
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.