Columbus disability advisory commission discusses committees, events and tables minutes after lacking quorum

The Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues met on May 28 but did not have the votes required to take formal action. Vice Chair Jana Miller announced members could not vote because the commission had only five commissioners present, so approval of minutes was tabled until the June meeting.

Commissioners discussed proposed subcommittees. Commissioner Carter had suggested three topic areas—accessibility, housing and transportation—with an option to combine similar areas into two committees. Commissioner Alexia proposed creating an outreach or community engagement subcommittee to recruit participants, amplify accessibility advocacy and support commissioner recruitment. Commissioner Nicole said she circulated preliminary bylaws to leadership for review and stressed that formal bylaw changes will require broader commissioner input and a formal vote.

Staff and commissioners shared announcements. Angie reported the GoHannah shuttle, a new service for residents 65 and older and people with disabilities funded in part by MORPC and the Federal Transit Administration, will begin June 1. Christine Brown and partner organizations are organizing a statewide candidates forum on disability issues for Aug. 20 at the Faegre (Faucet) Center at Ohio State; organizers plan to publish a registration link and are seeking sponsors. Commissioner Carter invited commissioners to the All Disabilities Festival on July 12 (1–5 p.m.) and noted ASL interpretation and accessible features will be provided. The commission also discussed an ACB Columbus chapter meeting and a statewide picnic with RSVP instructions.

Because the commission could not vote, members agreed to refine committee language and bylaws offline and to revisit the items at the June 25 meeting.