Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Lee Pullen, Director, Aging and Disability Services
Subject: Resolution to Update the Commission on Disabilities Revised Bylaws
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution to update the bylaws specifying the responsibilities and membership of the Commission on Disabilities and standing rules for its governance.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1992, with the adoption of Resolution 55400, the Board of Supervisors merged the Disability Task Force and the Coordinating Council on Developmental Disabilities and formed the Commission on Disabilities (CoD). The Disability Task Force and the Coordinating Council on Developmental Disabilities had been established in San Mateo County (County) before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The CoD advises the Board of Supervisors and County departments on matters of accessibility, disability rights, and inclusive service delivery while ensuring that County policies and facilities are shaped by people who have lived experience with disabilities. According to the American Community Survey, approximately 10% of County adults 18 years and older report a disability.
DISCUSSION:
Since its formation, the CoD has included 21 members. Recently, the CoD met and determined that it was in their best interest to reduce the number of members from 21 to 15. The CoD has made a good faith effort to fill the 21 seats, but the last time all 21 seats were successfully filled was in 2018. With a smaller group that continues to reflect the community it serves, the CoD can become a stronger commission. Accordingly, the CoD believes that it can be represented by 15 members.
Other changes include removing office of the secretary, creating a second vice president, clarifying that commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors, and that all commissioners shall participate in at least one standing committee.
The bylaws and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 67% of CoD members will be a person with a disability or a family member of a person with a disability.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
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FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
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Percentage of CoD members who are a person with a disability, or a family member of a person with a disability. |
48% 10 of 21 members |
67% 10 of 15 members |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This resolution supports the CoD’s continued effectiveness in representing, advising, and advocating for people with disabilities throughout the County. Over the past year, the CoD has reviewed and provided recommendations on County capital improvement projects to support barrier removal, including accessibility assessments of public facilities and libraries. The CoD has also advised on incorporating quiet rooms in County buildings and supported emergency preparedness planning, most recently by hosting a virtual town hall to identify the needs of residents with disabilities during disasters and sharing its findings with the County’s Department of Emergency Management.
Passage of this resolution ensures that the Commission can continue to offer informed and actionable guidance to the County and advance equitable access to programs, services, and public spaces for people with disabilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no associated Net County Cost.