Commission discusses disability town hall and outreach events; tables detailed plan for next meeting

The commission discussed a proposed disability town hall intended to connect disability agencies, consumers and families to discuss federal initiatives, local impacts and resource needs. The plan would secure a venue, promote the event for one to two months, involve stakeholders and collect feedback to inform future recommendations.

Presenters suggested the town hall could be combined with the previously discussed public awareness campaign but several commissioners recommended keeping them separate: one event focused on community outreach and destigmatization, the other on policy and federal developments. Commissioners recommended framing the town hall to be community‑based and nonpartisan to maximize attendance and reduce political friction.

Logistics and funding were the primary concerns. Commissioners noted the commission lacks a dedicated budget and would need to coordinate with the mayor’s office, the Equal Rights Commission and potential grantors. One commissioner recommended inviting business partners and employment‑focused events during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The commission voted to table detailed planning and return with a more developed proposal at the next meeting.