Commission on Disabilities

Baltimore County believes that a Commission on Disabilities is necessary to advise on the coordination and development of the County's policies for citizens with disabilities. The County endorses the policy that no qualified person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity within Baltimore County. The goals of the Commission are to:

• Achieve an effective and systematic delivery of public, private and consumer resources to all people with disabilities in the County
• Identify the strengths and weaknesses in programs, services and resources available to citizens with disabilities
• Propose the means whereby the needs of citizens with disabilities can be met

In support of these beliefs and goals, the mission of the Commission on Disabilities is to foster attitudes and promote behaviors which respect and value people with disabilities among County government, its citizens and others. In fulfillment of this mission, the Commission on Disabilities holds a vision of the future where a culture and environment exist in Baltimore County which provides the supports and opportunities for all people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life.

2024 AWARDS PROGRAM

The Commission on Disabilities is now accepting nominations for its 2024 awards program. Seven award categories will be considered involving activities related to education, employment, advocacy, volunteerism and accessibility. To nominate an award candidate, choose one of the links below to access a nomination form:

Printable Nomination Form

Online Nomination Form

Nominations are due by Friday, September 13. Information on the Awards Ceremony will be announced in the near future.

View the 2023 Awards Video commemorating last year's recipients.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

In an effort to keep the public aware of issues related to persons with disabilities, the Commission has developed a number of publications, which are made available to the public free of charge.

MEETINGS

The Commission presently meets virtually via Webex on the third Wednesday of every month except July, August and October from noon to 1:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, call the Commission office at 410-887-2483.

Note: No meetings will be held when County offices are closed for the day, meetings will proceed as scheduled if County offices are under liberal leave status.

For the majority of agenda items, the Board first introduces members and guests, then proceeds with a guest presentation, followed by a discussion of its agenda. Guests are invited to participate in the discussion. Subscribe to receive email notifications when the latest Commission on Disabilities meeting documents have been posted.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

If County schools are either closed for the day or subject to an early dismissal due to inclement weather, scheduled Commission meetings will be cancelled. This policy will be implemented for the foreseeable future and will follow the actions of the County. Thus, if the County is closed, the meeting will be canceled and rescheduled for a later date. If the County is open, or under a liberal leave status, the meeting will proceed as scheduled.

MEMBERS

Members of the Commission are appointed by the County Executive. The Commission includes people with disabilities, family members, representatives of public and private service-providing agencies and State and local government. Commissioners serve three-year terms. There are no term limits. Apply for a vacancy online.