City of Santa Barbara - Government - Accessibility - Access Advisory Committee

In 1988 the City Council established an ad hoc advisory committee on access for the disabled to assist the Architectural Board of Review and the Historic Landmarks Committee in reviewing public projects. In 2001, the City Council dissolved the ad hoc committee and replaced it with a standing committee, known as the Staff Advisory Access Committee, to assist and advise staff on matters pertaining to providing access for the disabled and compliance with the State Building Code regarding “Accessibility” for people with disabilities. On September 16, 2008, the Staff Access Advisory Committee was renamed to the Access Advisory Committee.

General Functions
Assist and advise City accessibility compliance staff on public disability issues such as:

Ensuring equal access for people with disabilities to the City’s programs, activities and services;
Prioritizing capital projects designed to remove physical barriers and improve access at City facilities;
Prioritizing projects to remove physical barriers and improve access within the City’s public rights-of-way;
Complying with accessibility related building codes;
Ensuring effective communication with people with disabilities; and
Identifying opportunities to educate the public about disability and disability access issues within the community.

Membership
7 Members. The Committee will consist of members with the following backgrounds:

Two members from the Architectural, Engineering, or Building Communities
Two members from the Disability Community
Three members at large from the Community

Qualifications
Committee members shall be residents of the City, or full-time employees of an entity doing business within the City, during their terms of office. City employees may not serve as Committee members.

Committee members shall have a demonstrated interest, experience, and commitment to issues pertaining to disability and access. The following qualifications are desirable:

A practical understanding of Title II or Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or
A practical understanding of California Code of Regulations Title 24 and related federal accessibility standards; or
Experience as an architect, engineer, contractor or other professional involved in the constructions of accessible facilities; or
Experience in consultation in the use of assistive services and technology; or
Experience in representing or resolving accessibility issues for people with a broad range of disabilities.

Length of Term
Three years and until a successor is appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year.

Meeting Schedule
The Committee will hold meetings on a quarterly basis, or more often as necessary. The regular meeting date, time and location will be established by the Committee members.

Time Involved
Unknown.

Financial Disclosure Requirement
Members may be required to file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation
None.

Staff
City Administrator’s Office, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator, 564-5306.

Reference
Resolution No. 08-095.