REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026, AT 5:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Nekaybaw Watson, Nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on January 9, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding advancing ADA Compliance and Austin Equity and Inclusion updates. Presentation by Megan Dere, American Disability Act Administrator, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion of remembrance of Bob Kafka, co-founder of ADAPT. Update from Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the budget priorities that the commission could consider. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Approve a list of legislative priorities for the federal and state government. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding AWEbility Festival Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding therapeutic recreation program Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding far Southeast library branch site selection Approve the election of Vice Chair for the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Kristen Vassallo Commissioners Absent: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Delawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz Elizabeth Slade PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting on December 12, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2025, regular meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, 1 Commissioner Vassallo’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Diaz, and Slade were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding budget priorities from past budget cycles and new budget priorities. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a list of legislative priorities for the federal and state government. Discussed. 4. Update membership for Budget Working Group. (Current members: Chair Kelly, Commissioners Chang and Vassallo.) Withdrawn. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Set a discussion item about Bob Kafka, Co-Founder of ADAPT. Approve Budget Recommendations Joint Inclusion Commission representative update about budget recommendations the commission should consider Invite and ADA representative to speak with the commission about programmatic updates from 2025. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 5:48 pm on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Diaz, and Slade were absent. 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: February 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260213-006 Subject: Budget Recommendation to the City Council Regarding Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility Motioned By: Seconded By: WHEREAS, the Elisabet Ney Museum is undergoing restoration and improvements; WHEREAS, the Museum lacks an accessible restroom as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act; WHEREAS, plans have been created for an accessible restroom to be constructed as part of the restoration and improvements, in partnership with the Friends of Elisabet Ney Museum, although funding and support for the addition is still being sought; and WHEREAS, the Committee has decided to recommend to the Austin City Council that it support the construction of an ADA accessible restroom to allow all visitors to fully enjoy the Museum. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards constructing the ADA accessible restroom at the Ney Museum. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: February 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260213-007 Subject: Budget Recommendation to the City Council Regarding Awebility Festival Motioned By: Seconded By: WHEREAS, Commissioner Gabriel Arellano of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities will coordinate a festival celebrating individuals with disabilities and raising awareness, the Awebility Festival; WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities sponsors this festival with its support; WHEREAS, this festival was coordinated successfully in fall 2025 with limited resources, but desires the City of Austin’s financial support to expand its impact; and WHEREAS, the Awebility Festival will have an outsized impact relative to the cost of support and will help build a stronger community around people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards the Awebility Festival for 2026. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: February 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260213-008 Subject: Budget Recommendation to the City Council Regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program Motioned By: Seconded By: WHEREAS, the City of Austin sponsors the Therapeutic Recreation Program through the Parks and Recreation Department providing activity-based interventions to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning of individuals with disabilities; WHEREAS, the Therapeutic Recreation Program is held at parks around the city, often serving under resourced members of the community; WHEREAS, constituents have raised concerns about wait list times and limited locations of the program, which creates barriers to participation for those that need it most; and WHEREAS, additional funding could expand locations and improve services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate additional funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program with the goal of expanding the locations of services and reducing wait list times. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: February 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260213-009 Subject: Budget Recommendation to the City Council Regarding Far Southeast Library Branch Site Selection Motioned By: Seconded By: WHEREAS, the current Southeast Branch Library is undersized for community demand. The need for a full- service Far Southeast Branch Library is grounded first and foremost in (1) long-standing neighborhood need, (2) obligations to historically underserved residents, and (3) the necessity of accessible, community- serving infrastructure where families already live; WHEREAS, for people with disabilities, libraries are essential access infrastructure—providing assistive technology, inclusive programming, safe indoor space, and digital connectivity. A Far Southeast Branch must be planned with accessibility from the beginning, which requires immediate investment in site selection and predevelopment; and WHEREAS, funding site selection and predevelopment is needed so the community can begin shared investment and fundraising. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funding for site selection and predevelopment of the Far Southeast Branch Library. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
Advancing ADA Compliance: Updates from Austin Equity and Inclusion Equity and Inclusion Our Time Together ▪ History of ADA Program ▪ First 120 Days ▪ Current Priorities ▪ We Need Your Input ▪ Economic Mobility ▪ How to Contact AEI *All materials shared, including images or graphics, include meaningful alt text to ensure full access for people using screen readers or other assistive technologies. 2 History of ADA Program 1992 2020 2025 First ADA Transition Plan Developed when the City had 25 departments ADA Title II Responsibilities Transferred from Human Resources to the Civil Rights Office City of Austin's Investment Created a full-time ADA Title II Coordinator role within Equity and Inclusion to lead and advance the City’s ADA Program. ADA Programs (Title I & Title II) Initially housed under the Human Resources Department 2019 ADA Status Review – Completed with recommendations presented to the City Manager and Department Directors to guide accessibility improvements. Key Recommendations – Complete a comprehensive ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for the City. City Manager’s Commitment – Established Equity and Inclusion to strengthen compliance and lead the City’s ADA Program. 2024 Solicitation for ADA/Title VI Plans Coordinate with departmental ADA liaisons Provide technical assistance for Special Events Strengthen community relationships We Are Here 3 First 120 Days Accomplishments ▪ Achieving and maintaining ADA compliance – starting with a city-wide ADA transition plan and self-evaluation. ▪ Working on improving Digital Accessibility across COA websites ▪ Developing Training Materials for staff and volunteers ▪ Identifying training and resource needs across the City. ▪ Meeting with Commissions 4 Current Priorities: ▪ Informing residents how to contact AEI ▪ City-wide ADA Transition Plan ▪ Improving accessibility considerations at events ▪ ADA Resources Toolkit ▪ Strengthening partnerships 5 AEI Needs Your Input We want to hear from you. What is working in the City regarding accessibility? What is not working? We welcome your input and suggestions for areas of improvement. 6 ADA Compliance & Economic Mobility Accessibility drives opportunity. ▪ Inclusive Infrastructure – ADA compliance ensures public spaces and services are accessible ▪ Workforce Access – Removing barriers creates pathways for employment and career growth for people with disabilities ▪ Community Belonging – Accessible programs and events e foster engagement, supporting social and economic inclusion. ▪ Economic Impact – Compliance reduces legal risk and promotes a reputation as an equitable city, attracting businesses and talent. 7 Equity and Inclusion is …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026, AT 5:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Nekaybaw Watson, Nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on December 12, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding budget priorities from past budget cycles and new budget priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Approve a list of legislative priorities for the federal and state government. Update membership for Budget Working Group. (Current members: Chair Kelly, Commissioners Chang and Vassallo) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. Austin City Clerk’s Office, 512-974-2562 at at For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Commission on Immigrant Affairs meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo Commissioners Absent: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Delawnia Comer-HaGans Lynn Murphy PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting on November 14, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2025, regular meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, 1 Commissioner Chang’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Vassallo was off the dais. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Comer-HaGans and Murphy were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding Mapping Opportunity and identifying disparities across different Austin communities. Presentation was provided by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding Mapping Opportunity and identifying dipartites across different Austin communities. 3. Discussion regarding event mobility accessibility for Texas Tribune Festival and Trail of Lights. Discussion was postponed for the February meeting without objection. 4. Discussion regarding the identification of legislative agenda priorities to share with Austin Government Relations as they prepare for the next Texas and federal congressional sessions. Discussion was postponed until the next meeting without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the addition of new members to the AWEbility Festival Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Nina Centeno, Amanda Tuitt, and Scott Keller were approved on Commissioner Arellano’s motion, Chair Kelly’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Comer-HaGans and Murphy were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 6:00 p.m. on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Arellano’s second. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Comer-HaGans and Murphy were absent. 2
