The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities

In existence since September of 1950, the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) works toward a State where people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity and self-determination. The Governor appoints twelve members to serve on the Committee, seven of whom must be people with disabilities. Representatives from six State agencies serve as ex- officio or advisory members.

The Committee makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on disability issues; promotes compliance with disability-related laws; promotes a network of local committees doing similar work; recognizes employers for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities; and recognizes media professionals and students for positively depicting Texans with disabilities. The members and staff also provide technical assistance, information and referral services to citizens of Texas on issues affecting Texans with disabilities. Members of the Committee work on issues related to Access, Communications, Education, Emergency Management, Health, Housing, Recreation, Transportation, Veterans and Workforce. The Committee’s enabling law is outlined in the Human Resources Code, Chapter 115.

Mission

The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities envisions a State where people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity and self-determination.

Key Services

The Governor’s Committee recommends changes in disability policies and programs in the areas of accessibility, communication, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, recreation, transportation, veterans and workforce. The Committee also supports a network of committees on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote greater awareness, and promotes compliance with disability related laws. For more information on Disability History or Etiquette and a “Resource Guide on Disability Topics Important to Texans”, send us a message or call 512-463-5739.

Upcoming Events

Committee Quarterly Meeting:  October 20, 1:30pm to 5:00pm, and October 21, 8:30am to 10:30am, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1111 Houston Street, Fort Worth TX.

Barbara Jordan Media Awards: April 23, 2016, University of Texas at Arlington (Details to come).

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM): Poster and Art Competition: Each October, the Governor’s Committee celebrates NDEAM through a poster art competition (Deadline for entries is March 15) and NDEAM Poster distribution (FREE; available early September) and other activities.

Lex Frieden Employment Awards: Wednesday, October 21, 11:00am, Fort Worth Convention Center; Hosted by the Fort Worth Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodations Requests for the Committee meetings and Awards ceremonies should be made at least 7 working days before the scheduled event.  For accommodation requests, contact Nancy Van Loan at 512-463-5744 or send a message.

Looking for Events in Your Own Community?

Please visit our Quarterly Calendar to find events in your own community, throughout Texas, and throughout the country.

Sunset Review Announcement

The Sunset Review of the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (PDF)