Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities Ordinance Overview
The Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities Ordinance aims to represent and address the needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Westfield. The Council will collaborate with the local community, city officials, and stakeholders to establish priorities, strategies, and partnerships to enhance opportunities and services for people with disabilities. The ordinance formalizes the Council's role, ensuring continuity and giving a voice to the disability community in shaping the city's policies and projects. Areas of potential impact include infrastructure, workforce development, education, and mental wellbeing. Not a charity or budget item, the Council empowers individuals with disabilities and promotes inclusion and community involvement.
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Purpose of the Disability Council: 1) Represent the needs and interests of people with disabilities in the City of Westfield and provide a platform for the disability community to express challenges/issues their facing in Westfield. Partner with the City of Westfield in establishing priorities and strategies to address the various challenges and needs facing people with disabilities in the community. Provide informed input on the development and assessment of future City projects and services that impact people with disabilities. Collaborate and partner with local organizations, community partners and disability stakeholders to build bridges, establish partnerships and increase opportunities for people with disabilities. 2) 3) 4)
Who will participate on the Council 1) City of Westfield s ADA Coordinator 2) (2) Appointees from the community by the Mayor 3) (2) Appointees from the community by the City Council 4) (1) City Council Member 5) Chase Stinson, Director of Student Services from Westfield Washington Schools 6) A member of the City s Human Resources department will serve as a non-voting advisory member. NOTE: All appointees must be living with a disability, provide care for someone with a disability, or be employed by a company that provides services to those with disabilities.
Why make this an Ordinance? 1) 2) Formalizes the Disability Council and gives it a voice with abilities to make an impact Codifies addressing the needs of those with disabilities within the City and ensures this doesn t disappear with changes in City Administration. Reduces redundancy and strengthens the community by having a focused platform where all voices and challenges can be voiced. According to our state constitution, an ordinance must be created by municipalities when adopting a rule or policy with broad applicability, significant impact and for an extended duration. Why not? This is not giving the government more power, it is giving the power back to the people and allowing them to have a voice in their community! It addresses a need that impacts us all! 3) 4) 5)
Areas for potential impact 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Infrastructure Think SR-32!!! Workforce Development Public Safety Education Transportation Mental Wellbeing Best Practices Between Government Entities (City, Library, Township, County, School District) Inclusion Among Residents Attracting New Residents to Westfield 8) 9)
What the Council is NOT 1) A parent support network 2) A non-for-profit charity 3) A line item on the city budget 4) A cause that comes and goes
