REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, August 8, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 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, call or email Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz PROCLAMATION Mickey Fetonte Jonathan Franks Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo AGENDA Proclamation – 35th American Disability Act Anniversary – To be presented by Mayor Kirk Watson CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 called meeting on July 11, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation from Jetal Bhakta, Pedestrian Crossing Program Manager, Transportation and Public Works and Sheida Carugati, Transportation Planning Engineer, DKS Associates regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plans for Pedestrian Crossings Program and Urban Trails Program. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representatives on the work of the committee from the July 2025 meeting. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the October 2025 AWEbility Festival Working Group on their most recent meetings and accomplishments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. Formation of a working group regarding the expansion of therapeutic recreation program access and the creation of budget recommendations for therapeutic recreation programs within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Formation of a Budget Working Group to discuss and create recommendations about the committee’s budget priorities. Approve an update to the membership of the AWEbility Festival Working Group. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the creation of a community center in the South Congress and …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes July 11, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, July 11, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, July 11, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Zenobia Joseph – Public transportation systems in Austin Morgan Clift – Great Strides ABA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular called meeting on June 13, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of June 13, 2025 were approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on an 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Diaz, Fetonte, Franks, and Vassallo were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes July 11, 2025 2. Staff briefing regarding upcoming events from the Office of Police Oversight. Briefing provided by Cooper Thompson, Community Engagement Specialist, and Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Police Oversight. Briefing provided by Cooper Thompson, Community Engagement Specialist, and Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Police Oversight. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding instant ASL Access by Joseph Tsai, CONVO. Presentation regarding instant ASL access from Convo Access provided by Joseph Tsai. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the work of the committee from the June 2025 meeting. Update provided by Commissioner Chang. Discussion of disability access at Blues on the Green. Discussed. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Postponed to the next regular meeting with no objection. Discussion regarding the Texas Department of Transportation Civil Rights Division’s 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Withdrawn. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the October 2025 Disability Event Working Group on their most recent meetings and accomplishments. Update provided by Commissioner Arellano. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. Formation of a working group regarding the expansion of therapeutic recreation program access and the creation of budget recommendations for therapeutic recreation programs within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. This item was postponed on Chair Kelly’s …
MAYOR'S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250808-009 Date: August 8, 2025 Subject: Partnership with the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The committee recommends an invitation to the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities to co-host the AWEbility Festival in October 2025 and October 2026. Description of Recommendation to Council We recommend inviting the Governor's Committee to partner as a co-host of the AWEbility Festival, which is scheduled to unfold in two phases: • October 10, 2025 – a small celebration at Austin City Hall, featuring artists, advocates, workshops, and a ceremony honoring local inclusion leaders; and • October 2026 – a full-scale music and sign language festival at Auditorium Shores, showcasing disabled performers, disability-owned vendors, and sensory-friendly spaces. We anticipate a $10,000-$20,000 budget for the event. Rationale: The Governor's Committee is well-positioned to assist the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities in promoting accessibility and community engagement for people with disabilities. The support of the Governor's Committee would increase the reach and impact of the festival through outreach and communication, festival program input, and accessibility practices. We also hope to explore joint efforts with the Governor's Committee to access funding through grants or in-kind donations. Vote: (Add the number vote here, even if unanimous) For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
ADA Transition Plans for Pedestrian Crossings and Urban Trails Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, August 8, 2025 | 5PM Today’s Presenters Jetal Bhakta Pedestrian Crossing Program Manager Transportation and Public Works Department Sheida Carugati Transportation Planner DKS Associates ADA Transition Plans for Pedestrian Crossings & Urban Trails Meeting Agenda ❑Overview of ADA Transition Plans ❑Project goals & tasks ❑Accessibility focus areas ❑Ways to participate ❑Questions & answers What is the ADA? ❑Civil rights law ❑Signed on July 26, 1990 ❑Ensures access for people with disabilities ❑Requires public infrastructure to be accessible • Americans with Disabilities Act What is an ADA Transition Plan? ❑A required government document ❑Identify barriers that make it hard for people with disabilities to access places ❑Includes plans and timelines for fixing these barriers and improving accessibility ❑Helps cities like Austin offer safe and fair access to transportation for everyone Project Purpose ADA Transition Plan for Pedestrian Crossings ADA Transition Plan for Urban Trails ADA Transition Plans for Pedestrian Crossings & Urban Trails Project Focus Areas Pedestrian Crossing Barriers • Missing pedestrian push buttons • Pedestrian signals that are too fast • Missing or faded crosswalks Project Focus Areas Pedestrian Crossing Barriers • Non-ADA compliant ramps • Poorly aligned crosswalks • Obstacles in the way of the crossing Project Focus Areas Pedestrian Crossing Barriers • Crosswalk sound cues are missing • Unsafe feeling to cross due to visibility issues Project Focus Areas Urban Trail Barriers • Steep inclines • Lack of signage • Cracked pavement/missing pedestrian railing Project Focus Areas Urban Trail Barriers • Narrow trails or not enough space to pass • Obstacles in the way of the trail • Dark conditions / insufficient lighting Your Feedback Matters ❑Your input helps shape the final ADA Transition Plans ❑We’re using your feedback to: ▪ Identify barriers and areas of concern ▪ Prioritize locations for inspection and improvement ▪ Develop recommendations that reflect community needs How You Can Participate 1. Complete the online survey 2. Share survey with your network English Survey: https://speakupaustin.org/austinada Encuesta en español: https://speakupaustin.org/austinadaesp ADA Transition Plan Timeline ❑Public Outreach - June 24 – August 15, 2025 ❑50% Draft Plan – anticipated November 2025 ❑Final Plan – anticipated June 2026 Next Steps ❑A summary of this meeting and all outreach will be included in the Final ADA Transition Plans. ❑For questions or follow-up, contact us at: MobilityBonds@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2300
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250808-008 Date: July 28, 2025 Subject: Recommendation to the City Council Supporting the Inclusion of a Community Center in the South Congress and Riverside Mixed-Use Development Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to initiate negotiations with Related Companies to include a dedicated Community Center in the South Congress and Riverside mixed-use development. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Direct the Planning and Zoning Department to revise the rezoning approval for the South Congress and Riverside development to include a Community Center. ● Allocate initial funding support for the Community Center from the FY2025–26 city budget. ● Ensure collaboration with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Human Rights Commission to evaluate equity and accessibility compliance. ● Facilitate a meeting between City officials and Related Companies, including representatives from the disability community, to co-develop inclusive design and programming features. Rationale ● Equity and Civil Rights: The disability community, which constitutes approximately 15% of Austin’s population, currently lacks equitable access to accessible venues. A community center would provide essential space for services, inclusive programming, and public gatherings. This proposal aligns with the City of Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023 goals and civil rights ordinances such as the Austin CROWN Act and Title II of the ADA. ● Community Needs: Public sentiment gathered via social media and local reporting shows a strong desire for affordable and community-oriented spaces. A community center will meet this need while serving as a resilience hub during climate emergencies and preserving the cultural integrity of historic neighborhoods. ● Economic and Social Benefits: The proposed center will support small and disability-owned businesses, provide gathering space, and enhance pedestrian-friendly design by fostering a greater sense of community belonging and safety. ● Inclusive Programming and Governance: The center will feature workshops in disability rights, Indigenous rights, ASL education, and STEM activities. Its leadership will prioritize governance by representatives of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. Vote For: [#] Against: [#] Abstain: [#] Absent: [#] Attest: [Signature line for staff or board member]
