Accessibility Advisory Committee

Identify and elevate accessibility issues to be addressed by City staff. The committee may bring forward issues affecting people who experience disabilities and may work with City staff to find solutions in those cases where the City has jurisdiction and responsibility, particularly related to City Council goals.

Act as an advisory body to City staff and the City Manager, as well as the City Council when requested, related to City initiatives and projects that impact accessibility and community members experiencing disabilities. The City will endeavor to actively seek feedback from COBAAC members that align with member expertise, lived experiences, and time availability.

Advise the Accessibility and Equity Manager on meeting accessibility and inclusion goals, help prioritize committee projects, and prepare letters of support, among other activities. To support this role, the Accessibility and Equity Manager and other City staff are committed to bringing well-timed and relevant issues to COBAAC to most effectively use their expertise and lived experience.

Meet the Bend 2030 Vision action item to establish a City Accessibility Advisory Committee to assist the City with accessibility determinations and to review Department of Justice requirements, City compliance, City infrastructure, downtown accessibility, downtown parking accessibility, new development accessibility, and Access Challenge Resolution.

Help meet the City of Bend’s obligations as a Title II public entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended. Title II protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in the services, programs, or activities of all State and local governments.