REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, September 12, 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 Mickey Fetonte Jonathan Franks Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo AGENDA 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 meeting on August 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the therapeutic recreation programs being planned and implemented by Evan Kessler, Recreation Program Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation and Rachel Hyde, Recreation Program Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation regarding therapeutic recreation programs their budget needs for more accessible therapeutic recreation programs. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation by Ann Graham, Liaison, Friends of Elisabet Ney regarding renovation plans for the Elisabet Ney Museum and their plans to make the space more accessible to patrons. 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 community outreach and marketing efforts. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 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 to allocate funds to cover AWEbility Festival …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes August 8, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Friday, August 8, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, August 8, 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 5:40 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Kristen Vassallo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Lisa Chang Elizabeth Slade PROCLAMATION Proclamation – 35th American Disability Act Anniversary – Presented by Mayor Kirk Watson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting minutes on July 11, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of July 11, 2025, failed on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on an 5-0 vote. Vice Chair Meyer abstained. Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Diaz, Fetonte, Franks and Murphy were absent. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes August 8, 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. Presentation regarding the ADA Transition Plans for Pedestrian Crossings Program and Urban Trails Program was given by Jetal Bhakta, Pedestrian Crossing Program Manager, Transportation and Public Works and Sheida Carugati, Transportation Planning Engineer, DKS Associates. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the work of the committee from the July 2025 meeting. Update provided by Commissioner Chang. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Postponed to the next regular meeting with no objection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 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 6. 7. 8. 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. Discussed and the working group formation was postponed until the next meeting. Formation of a Budget Working Group to discuss and create recommendations about the committee’s budget priorities. The motion to approve the formation of a Budget …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250912-XX4 Date: September 12, 2025 Subject: Marketing Strategy and Distribution of Flyers Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends developing a marketing strategy, including flyer distribution and social media outreach, with necessary approvals from the City of Austin. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Create and distribute event flyers. ● Develop social media posts to promote the awards event. ● Obtain approval from the City of Austin prior to posting on official channels. Rationale: A coordinated marketing strategy increases visibility, boosts community participation, and ensures compliance with City communication policies. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250912-XX1 Date: September 12, 2025 Subject: Recognition of Three Awardees at Upcoming Event Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends recognizing three awardees at the upcoming event. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Community Award: ADAPT of Texas ● Government Award: Travis County Services for the Deaf ● Individual Award: Hayley Broadway Rationale: Recognition of outstanding contributions strengthens community engagement, highlights leadership in accessibility, and aligns with the City’s equity and inclusion priorities. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250912-XX3 Date: September 12, 2025 Subject: Request for Official EIN Verification Letter from Financial Services Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends requesting an official letter from the City’s Financial Services Team verifying the City of Austin’s EIN, to support sponsorship applications. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Direct Financial Services Team to issue an EIN verification letter for sponsorship purposes. Rationale: A verified EIN letter is required to complete sponsorship applications and secure financial support for Committee programming and events. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250912-XX2 Date: September 12, 2025 Subject: Approval of Budget for Awards Event Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends allocating funds to cover event costs. Description of Recommendation to Council ● 3 Trophies – $200 ● Catering Service – $1,014 ● TOTAL – $1,215 Rationale: Budget allocation ensures the success of the awards event by funding essential items, recognizing honorees, and providing accessibility to attendees. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________
Elisabet Ney Museum VISION : 2025-26 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR MUSEUM IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCESSIBILITY Creating a transformative experience for museum visitors and the Austin community. VISION The museum is more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for all visitors while preserving its historic value. The improvements enhance both the physical space and the visitor experience. PROJECT GOALS PRESERVE To preserve historic Formosa, the world’s largest collection of Ney’s artworks, and key wilderness elements of the property while updating access, safety, climate control, and gathering places. PROJECT GOALS REIMAGINE To use the interpretive and landscape plans in a holistic and forward-looking way, with an aim for sustainability and broadening the experience for visitors to engage with Ney’s life work, artistic process, lived experience, world view, and the symbolism of her story against the backdrop of tomorrow. PROJECT GOALS INSPIRE To make museum visitors feel welcome, inspired, and reinvigorated.
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]
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250808-009 Date: August 8, 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: Commissioner Arellano Seconded By: Chair Kelly 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. ● Ensure accessible public transportation serves the community. 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: 6-0 For: Chair Kelly, Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Slade, and Vassallo Against: Abstain: Absent: Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Diaz, Fetonte, Franks, and Murphy Attest: Nekaybaw Watson
MAYOR'S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250808-010 Date: August 8, 2025 Subject: Partnership with the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Motioned By: Chair Kelly Seconded By:Vice Chair Meyer 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: 6-0 For: Chair Kelly, Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Slade, and Vassallo Against: Abstain: Absent: Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Diaz, Fetonte, Franks, and Murphy Attest: Nekaybaw Watson 1 of 1
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, July 11, 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Jonathan Franks Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo AGENDA 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 June 13, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding instant ASL Access by Joseph Tsai, CONVO. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representatives on the work of the committee from the June 2025 meeting. Discussion of disability access at Blues on the Green. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Discussion regarding the Texas Department of Transportation Civil Rights Division’s 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the October 2025 Disability Event Working Group on their most recent meetings and accomplishments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. 11. 12. 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. Approval of the Mayor’s Committee of People with Disabilities 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review Report. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding support for the AWEbility …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes June 13, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, June 13, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, June 13, 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 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Audrea Diaz Elizabeth Slade Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joseph Tsai – CONVO Access Raelene Gomes – Austin Lighthouse Melinda Crockom - Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular called meeting on May 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 9, 2025, were approved with an amendment to strike Commissioner Vassallo’s name and insert Commissioner Arellano’s name on items 1 and 5 on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 7-0 vote. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes June 13, 2025 Vice Chair Meyer abstained. Commissioner Comer-Hagans was off the dais. Commissioners Chang and Franks were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion of funding for the therapeutic recreation program in the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The presentation was provided by Ivette Gonzalez, mother/advocate of Antonio Hueyopa, District 2 resident and by Sara Carlson, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department, and Evan Kessler, Recreation Program Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the latest meeting. Update provided by Chair Kelly. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Update provided by Vice Chair Meyer. Discussion regarding the identification of additional priorities in 2025 for the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Candidate Qualities Priority Working Group regarding the review and approval of candidate equality practices within the City of Austin hiring department. Update provided by Commissioner Arellano. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 7. Recommendation from the Candidate Qualities Priority Working Group regarding the review and approval of candidate equality practices within the City of Austin hiring department. Item discussed with item 8. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20270711-XXX): Austin Disability Festival 2025 & 2026 WHEREAS, October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is within the scope of this advisory body to promote disability awareness and inclusion within the City of Austin, and the committee intends to host a small fundraising event at Austin City Hall in October 2025; and WHEREAS, the committee, in collaboration with several other community stakeholders, are planning to host the Austin Disability Festival (“AWEbility Festival”) in October 2026, and continuing annually, to promote accessibility, showcase diverse disability communities, honor local inclusion leaders, and foster American Sign Language (ASL) practice as a unifying element; and WHEREAS, the committee seeks to ensure that these events are successful and represent the perspectives of the residents of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to provide suggestions to ensure the events reflect the diversity and priorities of constituents and other stakeholders, to allocate funds as appropriate to cover festival costs, and to share council members’ personal or professional experiences with disability inclusion or community engagement to inspire festival programming and messaging. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250706-XXX Date: July 6, 2025 Subject: Recommendation to Implement CONVO Access at City Facilities Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends the implementation of CONVO Access—an on-demand ASL interpreting service via QR code—at various public facilities to improve communication equity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Implement CONVO Access signage and QR codes at high-traffic city-owned locations. ● Ensure CONVO Access is available at: ● City Hall ● Police Stations ● Fire Stations ● City Public Museums ● City Public Libraries ● Promote awareness, training, and maintenance for ongoing accessibility. Rationale: This technology allows Deaf residents and visitors to connect instantly to certified ASL interpreters via smartphone, enhancing safety, independence, and access to public services. The system aligns with the City’s ADA responsibilities and equity goals, and can be implemented at a low cost with high impact. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________ Draft
Introduction to OPO October 7, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. Three Goals of OPO • Transforming Accountability • Enhancing Transparency • Building Partnerships Three Divisions of OPO Communications & Community Engagement Complaints & Monitoring Investigations Policy & Research How to Contact OPO A Complaint or Thank You may be submitted online, by phone, fax, mail, or email. Our office hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Website: ATXPoliceOversight.org 512-974-9090 TTY: 711 512-974-6306 PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 policeoversight@austintexas.gov 1520 Rutherford Ln, Building 1 Austin, TX 78754 You may always choose to remain You may always choose to remain anonymous anonymous when contacting OPO when contacting OPO Save the Date! OPO Open House Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Austin Central Library – Special Events Center 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. Learn more by contacting us! opo.outreach@austintexas.gov atxpoliceoversight.org
