Commission highlights community events, outreach and assistive‑technology outreach

Commission leadership used the June meeting to share community outreach items and partnership opportunities. Chair Nicole Carter invited commissioners and the public to the All Disabilities Festival on Sunday, July 12, 1–5 p.m. at Dorian Green Park (in front of CO‑ASI). Carter said the free festival will include ASL interpretation, more than 100 vendors and accessible activities; organizers planned to distribute “over 2,000 toys.”

Christina Capk of the Disability Empowerment Center described a Disability Pride campaign kickoff event on Thursday, July 9, 5–9 p.m., at The View (95 Liberty Street) to begin advocacy toward a future disability pride parade and asked commissioners to register because space is limited. Angie Wise noted ACB Ohio’s summer picnic is July 11 at Hogback Ridge and that a 56‑passenger charter bus will provide transport for some attendees.

Zayn Jones from the City of Columbus reported Meta’s community development team contacted the city proposing to donate Ray‑Ban Meta AI glasses to blind veterans and seeking local partnership opportunities; several commissioners expressed interest in a follow-up introduction. Commissioners also reminded attendees that a recently renamed street near the festival site may affect navigation and advised using Bell Street/Dorian Green as the festival entry point.

The announcements closed the meeting’s community‑facing items; no public comments were offered during the allotted public‑comment period.