City of Irvine Disabilities Advisory Commission Board

I had the wonderful privilege to speak to the City of Irvine Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board on Tuesday, February 2nd.

Irvine Residents with Disability Advisory Board (IRDAB) was established in 1990 by the Irvine City Council to ensure residents with disabilities have equal access in community life.

This voluntary Board consists of sixteen members. At least 51% of members have disabilities and the remainder of the Board is comprised of residents who have a family member with a disability and/or work in the field of disability services.

Their mission is identifying and recommending programs and services meeting the physical and social needs of residents who have disabilities, regardless of age. The Board provides advocacy and support for programs related to community needs and propose recommendations to a variety of City departments. IRDAB also works collaboratively with vital community organizations.

IRDAB Community Contributions:

v Educate the public about issues that affect individuals with disabilities

v Ensure public access

v Advise Community Services Commission on matters pertaining to persons with disabilities

v Provides community presentations

v Disability friendly business awards

v Disability awareness month

I spoke on behalf of the Ms. Wheelchair California organization, congratulating them on winning the National Organization on Disability 2002 Accessible America Award as well as offering my own suggestions and improvements to the city. They were a great group of people, and I look forward to working with them further in the future to make not only the city of Irvine more accessible, but the rest of California.

Thank you for the great opportunity to speak to a wonderful organization doing amazing things within the city of Irvine and working collaboratively with the City Council so that all people who live in Irvine feel valued and important.