Governor Crist Addresses First Meeting of Commission on Disabilities

~~ ~ Commission members to recommend methods to remove barriers for Floridians with disabilities ~ ~~

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today addressed the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities in Tallahassee. Governor Crist thanked commission chairman Lance Block, a lifelong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, and commission members for their service to the people of Florida.

“I am confident that each member of the commission will embrace their role in ensuring equal access for all Floridians to education, employment opportunities and information regarding resources and services,” Governor Crist said. “The commission provides an important forum to make recommendations for opportunities providing independence for Floridians with disabilities.”

On July 26, 2007, the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Governor Crist signed Executive Order 07-148, creating the commission, which consists of 19 members. The purpose of the Commission is to advance public policy for Floridians with disabilities and to provide a forum for advocates representing the disabilities community to develop and voice unified concerns and recommendations for improvements. Commission members are stakeholders representing a broad spectrum of interested parties, including individuals with disabilities, as well as state agencies and advocates for persons with disabilities.

State agencies under the leadership of Governor Crist will appoint a “disability champion” who will receive ADA training and serve as a liaison between the agency, the commission and the disabilities community. Additionally, the commission will partner with the Statewide Advocacy Council, which will serve as a clearinghouse for disability resources, while providing guidance and education to state agencies regarding the implementation of the ADA.

Additional information regarding the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, including meeting dates and times, can be found at http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/commission_on_disabilities.