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Commission on Disabilities
The Frederick County Commission on Disabilities meets the 2nd Monday of each month, except August and December, in-person at 6:00 pm, at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. The public is invited to attend.
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NOTICE OF MEETING
The FREDERICK COUNTY COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES will hold a meeting beginning at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 13, 2023.
Individuals requiring special accommodations because of a disability or for lack of English proficiency must contact the Commission on Disabilities at 301-600-1234 or dial 711 for Maryland Relay Services to make arrangements, no later than three (3) working days prior to the meeting.
On November 9, 2023, this Notice of Meeting was posted on the Frederick County Government Internet website. https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/3440/Commission-on-Disabilities, This method will be used to provide reasonable advance notice of future meetings.
The Commission on Disabilities consists of 9 voting members appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The voting members are: David Drezner (Chair), Lisa Clark (Vice Chair) Evan Evans (Treasurer), Mark Swift (Recording Secretary), Jackie Kanekuni, Jason Schriml, Michelle Shay, and Kevin Welker.
Council Member Renee Knapp is the County Council liaison to the Commission on Disabilities.
Commission Position Openings
Commission members must be registered voters in Frederick County. Each term is 3 years.
If interested in a position, individuals should submit a letter of interest and a resume by regular mail to Administrative Officer Joyce Grossnickle, Office of the County Executive, Winchester Hall, 12 Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, or email the FCG Boards. For further information contact 301-600-1110.
Agendas
Minutes
Overview
Accessibility for a person with disabilities allows that person to perform the normal activities of daily living regardless of his or her disability. The commission inspects buildings and infrastructure in the county to ensure they meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some issues that affect accessibility are listed below:
- Doors are wide enough for wheelchair use.
- Sinks are at a height where they can be reached by someone using a wheelchair.
- Curbs and sidewalks can be used by an individual using a wheelchair or by an individual with limited mobility.
Transportation allows a person with a disability to live, work and play in their communities. It allows them to live independently, hold a job and to attend medical appointments. Frederick County is a large, mostly rural county which makes accessible transportation more of a challenge. The Commission is following issues that affect transportation.
Meals for persons with disabilities who are not able to leave their homes are becoming an issue in Frederick County. If the person is 60 years of age or older, they can receive meals with the Frederick County Division of Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program. However, if they are younger than 60 years of age, they do not qualify for this program. Some issues to be dealt with are as follows:
- Finding programs in the county that will provide food to people with disabilities.
- Finding disability related organizations that provide services to individuals under 60.
- Finding volunteers willing to deliver meals.
Emergency preparedness for people with disabilities is a relatively new issue. People with disabilities need to be more involved in the planning process. These issues need to be addressed:
- Determining adequate notification procedures during an emergency that take into account the many kinds of disabilities.
- Ensuring that First Responders understand that people with disabilities cannot be left behind.
- Making sure people with disabilities understand what to do if instructed to “shelter in place.”
- Providing shelters that are accessible and that allow animals.
- State and legislative plans.
Advocacy
The Freedom Center
14 W. Patrick Street Suite 10
Frederick, MD 21701
301-846-7811
Website
The Freedom Center is a center for Independent Living that is community based, cross-disability, non residential and private, nonprofit organization. Besides providing services in the four core services (Advocacy both individual and systems, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training and Peer Counseling), they also provide an array of independent living service to assist persons with disabilities to resolve issues surrounding housing, personal assistance services, transportation, education, accessibility and employment. The services are not limited to age or specific disability.
Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
1888 North Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701-5514
Ph: 301-600-3075
Toll-free: 888-523-0255
Videophone: 240-439-8550
TTY: 301-600-3078
FX: 301-600-3084
frederick@dors.state.md.us
The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work or stay independent in their homes and communities.
Housing
Frederick County Housing and Community Development
401 Sagner Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701
Ph: 301-600-6091
Website
Offers information and links to numerous housing resources including Rental Allowance Program; Housing Choice Voucher; Subsidized Housing; Senior Housing; Homebuying Programs; Foreclosure Assistance; and Emergency Housing
Housing Authority of the City of Frederick (HACF)
209 Madison St.
Frederick, MD 21701
Ph: 301-662-8173
Website
The HACF is an autonomous, non-profit public corporation created to address the need for low-income housing. The HACF provides an array of housing options for our citizens by being committed to supporting strong stable communities, including Section 8 housing vouchers, public housing, Hope IV, Project Alive and Community Center.
Transportation
TransIT Plus
TransIT-plus is a demand response paratransit service for senior citizens and people with disabilities. ADA Paratransit is available for individuals with disabilities that prevent them form using the fixed route bus service in the City of Frederick. Pre-registration is required.
Transit Services Division
1040 Rocky Springs Rd.
Frederick, MD 21702
Ph: 301-600-2065
Fx: 301-600-3471
Website
The Commission was created in 1994 and advises the County Executive on matters regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation.
The Commission’s mission is as follows:
- To conduct and participate in meetings for the purpose of raising the level of "Disability Awareness" among people with disabilities and the general public.
- To facilitate the utilization of all resources available to people with disabilities.
- To identify barriers to programs and services available to people with disabilities and to recommend the means of overcoming these barriers.
- To make recommendations to the County Executive regarding existing and proposed legislation pertaining to people with disabilities.
- To review programs and services for people with disabilities and to identify their needs and gaps in service.
The Commission meets on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St., Frederick, MD. Meetings are open to the public. The Commission does not meet in August and December.