Volunteers needed for committee that will advise on needs of persons with disabilities

VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council this week approved an ordinance establishing the Clark County Accessible Community Advisory Committee or ACAC. The advisory committee will be tasked with advising policy makers on the needs of persons with disabilities both in general and in emergency planning. 

The council is seeking at least five volunteers to serve on the committee. The majority of members must be persons with disabilities living in both urban and rural areas in the county. The council is looking for individuals with a diverse range of disabilities who are knowledgeable in identifying and eliminating barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities also are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the ACAC. 

For the initial 2024 appointments, terms are staggered with two members appointed for four-year terms, two members for three-year terms, and the balance for two-year terms.

“There are many benefits in having a committee like this,” said Council Chair Gary Medvigy. “This will provide the county with a different perspective and help us in prioritizing our limited resources.”

Councilor Karen Bowerman worked closely with an organizing committee to help establish the ACAC after several individuals reached out to the council earlier this year asking for its creation. 

“It is my pleasure to have been supporting the formal development of this group,” said Bowerman. “Establishment of the ACAC is integral to bringing issues to the attention of policymakers for improvement of accessibility for disabled persons in our community.”

Lilly Longshore, a member of the organizing committee said, “The Clark County ACAC will give us the opportunity to obtain grant money to educate and do a variety of activities and projects that promote awareness of disability issues, resolve issues, and altogether can make our county healthier.”

The ACAC responsibilities include:

• Advising policy makers on access to programs, services and activities, new construction or renovation projects, sidewalks, other pedestrian travel, and disability parking enforcement.
• Applying for grants to fund projects that will improve awareness, acceptance, inclusion and access for people with disabilities. 
• Developing local initiatives and activities to promote greater awareness of disability issues and acceptance, involvement and access for persons with disabilities. 

Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on the ACAC should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

Read the establishing ordinance and find more information on the ACAC on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings under the July 16, 2024, public hearing. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.