REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FRIDAY, MARCH 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 Lisa Chang, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Elizabeth Slade Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Alejandro San Martin Kristen Vassallo CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 February 13, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Levers of Economic Mobility. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Staff briefing regarding the Camancho Activity Center’s accessibility and guided group programs. Presentation by Ryan Eaker, Nature Based Programs Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation and Athan Bernal, Nature Based Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation from Clear the Air ATX regarding the impact of Long COVID on the disability community, and ways the Mayor’s Committee for people with Disabilities can support Long COVID awareness efforts. Presentation by Katie Drackert, Founder, Clear the Air ATX, Naveen Farrani, Member, Clear the Air ATX and Michael Brode, UT Post COVID Clinic Medical Director, University of Texas. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the budget priorities that the commission could consider. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding far Southeast library branch site selection. 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 …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Alejandro “Alex” San Martin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Delawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo Commissioners Absent: Mickey Fetonte PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting on January 9, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2026, regular meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, 1 Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Chang was off the dais. Commissioner Fetonte was absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding advancing ADA Compliance and Austin Energy and Inclusion updates. Presentation by Megan Dere, American Disability Act Administrator, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Presentation given by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Megan Dere, American Disability Act Administrator, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of remembrance of Bob Kafka, co-founder of ADAPT. Discussion was held. 4. Update from Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the budget priorities that the commission could consider. Update given by Commissioner Chang. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of legislative priorities for the federal and state government. Withdrawn. 6. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner San Martin’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Fetonte was absent. 7. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding AWEbility Festival. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the AWEbility Festival was approved as amended by Commissioner Arrellano on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Diaz was off dais. Commissioner Fetonte was absent. The amendment was to insert “Whereas, the AWEbility Festival is seeking funding for the following items the festival venue, accessibility services including ASL interpreters and mobility access, marketing materials, insurance, venue stage, operations including a program manager, and compensation for the festival coordinator.” …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: March 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260313-006 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. WHEREAS, the new library should have digital accessibility and assistive technology including computers with screen readers; accessible printers and adaptive equipment; and free internet access for households without reliable service. WHEREAS, the new library should be a safe, climate-controlled public space that can serve as a cooling center; provide a safe daytime space; and serve as a refuge for medically vulnerable residents. WHEREAS, the new library should have inclusive learning and programming including sensory-friendly story times; accessible teen spaces; adult literacy and lifelong learning; and community classes without cost barriers. WHEREAS, the new library should encourage employment and independence through job applications and workforce training; benefits navigation; and quiet, inclusive workspaces. WHEREAS, the new library should encourage social connection and community belonging. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $500,000 for site selection and predevelopment of the Far Southeast Branch Library. The $500,000 should include digital access and assistive technology; safe, climate- controlled public space; inclusive learning and programming; and social connection and community belonging. Date of Approval: Vote Count: For: Against: Attest:
