June 5, 2026 Advisory Board Meeting: Planning for July and October Disability Initiatives

The meeting of the Disability Advisory Board (under the Human Relations Commission) convened on June 5, 2026, at 11:15 AM CT. Chairperson Brittany Crane led discussions on low-cost initiatives for the July ADA anniversary and October National Disability Employment Awareness Month, along with updates on the strategic planning consultant, a resource hub app, and a revised resource guide.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of April Meeting Minutes: Moved by Lee, seconded by Lisa Cook, and unanimously approved by voice vote.

Discussion Items

• July Initiatives (ADA Anniversary): The board reviewed several proposals: a community accessibility challenge (collecting barriers via QR code form), an accessibility recognition program for businesses, an open forum, an inclusive recreation day, a business self-assessment campaign, and an ADA story collection. Members favored the community accessibility challenge and a recognition program that highlights inclusive practices and success stories, rather than physical measurements (due to past labor intensity). The recognition program could run year-round, featuring a monthly spotlight. Forms will be created for submissions.
• October Initiatives (Disability Employment Awareness Month): Options included champion awards, an employer spotlight campaign, a disability employment roundtable, an accessible hiring practices review, and a disability employment data report. The board preferred the employer spotlight campaign and the data report. The roundtable was set aside due to planning demands and past experiences. A committee meeting will be scheduled to finalize details, and the spotlight campaign may be tied to the annual dinner in October.
• Lunch and Learn (Old Business): A proposed discussion on employment barriers and housing was tabled due to lack of capacity to organize at this time.
• Strategic Planning Update: Diane announced that a consultant has been selected and the contract is nearly complete. The consultant will provide dates for a board strategic planning session; members will be polled for availability. Full participation is encouraged.
• Resource Hub App Update: Delisa reported that she has built a low-cost (under $100/month) resource hub for disability services, populated with data from an existing PDF. She will share a link for the board to review and customize.
• Resource Guide Revision: Lee is updating the 2013 resource guide, removing obsolete TTY references and adding modern video relay service information. He will complete a final review and bring it for approval at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• July Plan: Proceed with creating submission forms for a community accessibility challenge and a recognition program for employers/employees demonstrating inclusive practices. Promote via QR codes and flyers; start with board members’ own workplaces.
• October Plan: Pursue an employer spotlight campaign (weekly features in October) and compile a disability employment data report. A committee will meet (date to be set) to flesh out details and possibly link to the annual dinner.
• Strategic Planning: Await consultant dates; board will be polled to schedule a session.
• Resource Guide: Lee to finish updates; next meeting will consider approval.
• Resource Hub: Delisa to distribute the link for board feedback.
• Next Steps: Chairperson will create draft forms and share with board for review; a committee meeting may be held virtually if needed.