Commission on People with Disabilities
About the Commission
Tonya Gilchrist, Chair
Jamila Michael-Sobratti, Vice-Chair
The Commission advises the County government on the coordination and development of policies for people with disabilities. The County Executive appoints Commission members subject to confirmation by the County Council. The Commission advises the County Executive and the County Council on the needs and concerns of the County's residents who have psychiatric, developmental, physical or sensory disabilities.
- Enabling Legislation - Chapter 27 - Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Article VI, Commission on People with Disabilities - Created to advise the County government on the coordination and development of policies for people with disabilities.
- Bill 4-16 - Administration - Boards, Committees, and Commissions - Various Amendments - Introduced March 1, 2016. Effective July 20, 2016. Increased the membership of the Commission on People with Disabilities and generally amended the law governing the appointment and operation of boards, committees, commissions and task forces that operate as part of County Government.
The Commission has 25 voting members, and at least nine (9) non-voting members, including:
-
Thirteen (13) voting members who are people with a disability;
-
Three (3) voting members who are parents of people with disabilities;
-
Nine (9) voting members who represent organizations and agencies that provide services or represent people with disabilities;
-
One (1) non-voting member from the Department of General Services, Department of Recreation, Department of Transportation, the Human Rights Commission, Department of Libraries, Housing Opportunities Commission, Montgomery College, Montgomery County Public Schools, Office of Human Resources, Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services, and M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks.
-
Two (2) non-voting members from the Department of Health and Human Services.
InclusionMontgomery: Dedicated to the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in our Community
We believe that people with disabilities have a right to equitable treatment, a fair allocation of community resources and social connectedness through engagement in the community at the level of their choice. Self-determination and supporting caregiver families should be at the core of short or long-term support planning. Individuals indicate their need for transportation, medical, legal, housing, respite, employment, volunteerism and leisure activities and the activities that will make for a meaningful day. We are dedicated to planning with, for, and serving the whole community regardless of disability, race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic status, family responsibilities, gender identity, presence of children, and family structure or any other characteristic.
Monthly Meetings
Commission on People with Disabilities (CPWD) meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (except for July and August). Meetings are currently held virtually. Visit the agenda page for more details.
Monthly Events
The calendar of events below lists upcoming Commission meetings.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month - October 2024
On October 1, 2024, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz presented a proclamation to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In attendance were Tonya Gilchrist, Chair, Commission on People with Disabilities, Steve Riley, Chair, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission (IDDC), additional members of the IDDC; residents of Main Street and employees of Soulfull Cafe.
Disability Services Website
Visit our disability services website to learn about how to access services and find resources on issues such as advocacy, caregiver support, employment and education, health and wellness, housing, recreation, transportation and more!
Contact Us
Betsy Luecking, Staff LiaisonCommunity Outreach Manager
240-777-1256
Carly Clem, Program Specialist II
240-777-1252
MD Relay 711
Email: [email protected]
401 Hungerford Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
We are committed to making our website accessible. If you have issues accessing information, please let us know.
Get the Latest Information on Events and Issues of Interest
Sign up for our " Disability Access and Opportunities" e-newsletter and get connected to our latest events and news. Click subscribe and look under "Health and Human Services."