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 committee's mission is to further opportunities for persons with disabilities 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.
Interim Report Prepared for Members of 85th Texas Legislature: A Review of Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities (Word)
Interim Report Prepared for Members of 85th Texas Legislature: A Review of Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities (PDF)
Upcoming Events
Committee’s Winter Business Meeting:
December 5, 2016 (Monday)
8:30 am - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Place Austin / Arboretum, 3612 Tudor Blvd., Austin TX 78759
Barbara Jordan Media Awards: Spring, 2017
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 512-463-5739 or send a message.
Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas Proclamation for 2016
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (PDF)
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (Word)
Disability Mentoring Day Proclamation for 2016
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (PDF)
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (Word)
Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (PDF)
2016 Proclamation from Governor Abbott (Word)
26th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
2016 Greeting from Governor Abbott (PDF)
2016 Greeting from Governor Abbott (Word)