Los Angeles County Municipal Code Ch. 3.28 Commission on Disabilities

There is created a Los Angeles County commission on disabilities, hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the "commission."

(Ord. 12276 § 1 (part), 1980; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1630, 1942.)

A.

The commission shall consist of 18 members appointed by the board. In selecting members for the commission, the board shall seek individuals, insofar as possible, based on the following criteria:

Members should themselves be people with disabilities, or be sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities.

Members should have demonstrated leadership in their professions and have an interest in and knowledge of the needs of people with disabilities.

Members should have the desire and ability to serve the overall needs of all people with disabilities.

Members should have policy-making authority in the field which otherwise qualifies them for membership.

B.

The board may request recommendations for persons to be appointed to the commission from organizations representing the various disciplines to be included on the commission, and from individuals known to each supervisor who possess the qualifications desired in commission members.

C.

For the first two terms of office, the member representing the category described by subsection Q of Section 3.28.030 shall be nominated by the supervisor for the Fifth Supervisorial District. Each such term of office shall be for two years. Thereafter, the appointment of said member shall be rotated to the next supervisorial district in ascending order every four years.

D.

The member representing the category described by subsection R of Section 3.28.030 shall be between 16 and 24 years of age.

(Ord. 98-0047 § 1, 1998; Ord. 91-0053 § 1, 1991; Ord. 86-0083 § 1, 1986; Ord. 12276 § 1 (part), 1980; Ord. 11888 § 1 (part), 1979; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1631, 1942.)

Insofar as possible, members appointed to the commission should represent the following disabling conditions, service providers, or categories:

A.

Blind;

B.

Deaf or hearing impaired;

C.

Mute or speech impaired;

D.

Developmentally disabled;

E.

Wheelchair users;

F.

Ambulatory with difficulty;

G.

Energy limited;

H.

Emotionally disturbed;

I.

Psychology profession;

J.

Legal profession;

K.

Medical profession;

L.

State Department of Rehabilitation;

M.

Deaf before language acquisition (age three);

N.

Partially sighted;

O.

Parent of a child with a disability;

P.

Learning disabled;

Q.

Little People;

R.

Youth (16 to 24 years of age).

(Ord. 98-0047 § 2, 1998; Ord. 91-0053 § 2, 1991; Ord. 86-0083 § 2, 1986; Ord. 12276 § 1 (part), 1980; Ord. 12134 § 1, 1980; Ord. 11888 § 1 (part), 1979; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1632, 1942.)

At the first meeting of the commission, the members shall so classify themselves by lot that the term of six members shall expire on June 30, 1977, and the term of six members shall expire on June 30, 1978. Thereafter, each member shall serve for a term of two years and until his successor is duly appointed and qualified. In no event shall the member representing youth pursuant to subsection R of Section 3.28.030 serve past the date of the member's 24th birthday. The board may remove any member at any time. Tenure is also subject to the provisions of Section 5.12.050 of this code.

(Ord. 98-0047 § 3, 1998; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1633, 1942.)

Each member of the commission shall be paid for each meeting of the commission attended, the compensation to be as provided from time to time by the county salary ordinance.

(Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1635, 1942.)

The commission shall be convened monthly upon the call of the chairperson, except that the first meeting shall be convened on the call of the executive officer-clerk of the board of supervisors.

(Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1637, 1942.)

The commission shall elect a president, vice president, and such other officers as it deems appropriate. The commission shall determine the term of said officers and the procedures and methods by which they may be elected.

(Ord. 2007-0117 § 1, 2007; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1638, 1942.)

The directors of the county departments of health services, mental health, public social services, chief administrative officer, human resources, internal services, and superintendent of schools each shall appoint one representative from their department to attend and participate in the meetings of the commission without a vote. The board hereby directs the directors of all other affected county departments to aid and cooperate in every way with the commission.

(Ord. 94-0094P § 7, 1994; Ord. 86-0028 § 13, 1986; Ord. 12134 § 2, 1980; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1636, 1942.)

The commission shall enact bylaws or similar procedural guidelines, which may include provisions relating to the election of officers, their terms of office, methods for voting, the structure of committees, and such other rules, procedures and regulations the commission may desire.

(Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1639, 1942.)

The Commission shall:

A.

With the assistance of County departments and other stakeholders, advise the Board on the unique needs of people with disabilities, including, but not limited to, the areas of health, employment, education, housing, transportation, public attitudes, and barriers.

B.

Make recommendations to the Board for improvement of policies, systems, and procedures in any areas the Commission identifies as an issue or barrier for people with disabilities.

C.

Collaborate with other government and/or private organizations that seek to improve the services to, and activities of, people with disabilities, and report back to the Board on the nature and effectiveness of the efforts being implemented by other organizations.

D.

Evaluate the adequacy of existing laws and proposed legislation related to people with disabilities from the County's point of view, and suggest necessary legislation which the county may wish to sponsor.

E.

Review and report on matters referred for such review by the Board of Supervisors.

F.

Distribute scholarships to recipients deemed appropriate by a majority of the Commission, when funds are available in the determination of a majority of the Commission. Recipients may include, but are not limited to, high school, college, or trade school students with a disability who seek to further their education. Any receipt or distribution of funds shall be done in coordination with and pursuant to any procedures established by the Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department.

(Ord. 2022-0041 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2007-0117 § 2, 2007; Ord. 12276 § 1 (part), 1980; Ord. 11138 § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4099 Art. 69 § 1639, 1942.)

The Commission shall have authority to raise funds in order to subsidize and enable any scholarships distributed pursuant to section 3.28.100 (F). Fundraising activities may include benefits, solicitations for donations, campaigns, or any other type of charitable event which has been approved by the Chief Executive Office.

(Ord. 2007-0117 § 3, 2007.)

The sunset review date for the commission shall be April 1, 2025.

(Ord. 2022-0041 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2011-0070 § 1, 2011; Ord. 2006-0022 § 1, 2006; Ord. 2000-0040 § 1, 2000.)