Philadelphia’s Office for People with Disabilities is here to stay

On Election Day 2023, November 7, Philadelphia voters had to decide whether or not to make The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities permanent or not. Nearly 86% of voters said yes to making this office a permanent part of the city’s charter.

According to phila.gov, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities houses the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and the Office of ADA Compliance.

The Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities:

• Advocates for policies, programs, and systemic changes that maximize independence and community integration for Philadelphians with disabilities.

• Provides resources and referrals to local organizations that support residents with disabilities.

• Educates the community on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other laws that protect the civil rights of people with disabilities.

The Office of ADA Compliance:

• Writes policies and procedures, and develops resources to ensure equal access to City-provided services, programs, and activities for people with disabilities.

• Educates employees and City entities on disability-related laws.

• Oversees the Philadelphia transition plan and structural access within City buildings.

• Responds to grievances from residents with disabilities who feel discriminated against.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that at-large City Councilmember Kendra Brooks proposed the charter change in the summer of 2023.

“Making sure that every Philadelphian can participate in community, in culture, and in the life of our city is not just our moral obligation but our legal obligation,” Brooks, a member of the Working Families Party, said in June 2023. “By submitting this charter change to voters, we acknowledge the work that still needs to be done, and we affirm our commitment to making Philadelphia accessible for everyone.”