Mayor's Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities


The advisory council was first formed in 1991 to provide guidance to City departments on all matters related to access for persons with disabilities to City programs, services, and activities. 

In 2018 the Mayor saw concern and need to restructure the advisory council as one with a role to advise and recommend for ADA accessibility as we move forward with vast infrastructure projects in the ongoing improvement within the city.  New members have been appointed in support of our commitment and obligations regarding the American with Disabilities Act (ADA),  to help promote our goal to be one of the most accessible cities in the nation as we undergo our growth and advance our projects in preparing the city for the 21st Century. Our goal as a city  is to improve accessibility and inclusiveness to ensure persons with disabilities are an integral part in all that we are as "The 21st Century - City of Shreveport".
  
Mission Statement

      The Mission of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities is to improve accessibility of city facilities, services, activities, programs, and employment. Additionally, the City strives to remove accessibility barriers and promote equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities is to:

  • Assist the City with the accessibility of city facilities, programs, employment opportunities, and services for residents with disabilities.
  • Assist the City in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
  • Assist the City in providing information and educational programs for City government, businesses, and industries regarding reasonable accommodations for employment and other issues concerning persons with disabilities.
  • Assist the City with ensuring the implementation of the City’s Plan for accessibility and universal design.

FUNCTION

The function of the council members is to advise on matters related to program and physical access for persons with disabilities to City programs, services and activities with an accessible design that benefits everyone;  through a process of advisory proposals and recommendations. 

ONGOING OBJECTIVES

  • Promote and encourage public awareness of the concerns of persons with disabilities
  • Advocate for appropriate access to housing, buildings and transportation
  • Educate the community about the skills of persons with disabilities to foster greater employment opportunities
  • Encourage the inclusion of persons with disabilities in recreational, social and cultural activities in the community
  • Expand the exchange of information and experiences on all levels (local, state and national) to benefit all persons with disabilities
  • Study legislation, employment trends and transportation issues as they relate to persons with disabilities
  • Identifying opportunities to educate the public about disability and disability access issues within the community.
 

The City of Shreveport is firmly committed to the ideals and spirit of the ADA

It created a Mayor’s Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities in 1991 and has a dedicated ADA Coordinator.
The council is comprised of disabled citizens and representatives of various organizations within the community who routinely assist persons with disabilities. 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs and services.