The Governor’s second Executive Order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities which will consist of up to 30 volunteer members, appointed by the Governor, including individuals with disabilities, family members, or those with relevant expertise. They will serve two-year terms. The new commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.
At the signing ceremony, the Governor announced that his Administration is currently accepting applications for the Advisory Commission’s Executive Director position.
“From the beginning of his Administration, Governor Shapiro has worked and embraced the disability community. At its core, a Commission on People with Disabilities is about representation, equity, and voice,” said Sherri Landis with the Arc of Pennsylvania. “For too long, people with disabilities have been left out of conversations that directly impact their lives – whether those conversations are about housing, education, employment, or community access. This Commission changes that and ensures that people with disabilities have not just a voice, but a seat at the table.”
This success reflects the collective advocacy and leadership of The Arc of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Marginalized Communities Regional Community Workgroups and Statewide Leadership Task Force, the Disability Health Action Network, and our partners in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Rosemary Collaboratory initiative. Thank you to all of you have participated in these initiatives! We did it!!