Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

Public Participation

If you would like to schedule an appearance before the Commission, contact Demetrius Edwards at 919-996-5740. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting.

The Raleigh City Council proclaimed July 29, 2019 as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day, in honor of the ADA's 29th anniversary. 

Committee Goals and Activities

Committee Goals

• Advise the mayor and City Council on matters of concern to citizens with disabilities.
• Address environmental and attitudinal barriers preventing equal access by citizens with disabilities to education, recreation, employment, transportation, and housing.
• Promote public awareness of the talents and abilities of persons with disabilities.
• Inform citizens with disabilities of programs, services and opportunities available to them within the public and private sectors.

Awards Banquet

At the annual awards banquet, the committee recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals or groups who have made a significant impact on the community of persons with disabilities. Awards include:

• Employer of the Year (Small, Medium and Large categories)
• Citizen Involvement Award
• Lockhart Follin-Mace Advocacy Award
• James E. Meekins Award for an individual with a disability
• Excellence in Transportation
• Excellence in Housing
• Excellence in Recreation
• Media Award (Television, Print, Radio categories)
• Supervisor of the Year

James Benton Achievement Award - Scholarship Application

The Raleigh Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities will award two $1000 scholarships to students with a disability recognized by the ADA. Applicants must be residents of the City of Raleigh and must be enrolled in or have been accepted to an accredited undergraduate post secondary school, college, trade school or other institution of higher learning.

The selection of scholarship recipients shall be based upon academic performance, financial need, character, school and community activities, honors or awards, and ability to express him/herself in written form, personal motivation and/or leadership potential.

To apply, please complete this online form.  A paper form is no longer required. The deadline to apply is May 29 at 5 p.m.

Awareness Committee

Awareness and education play a large role in the employment of persons with disabilities. For this reason, the committee presents seminars for personnel officers and other representatives of major employers in the Raleigh area. Presenters at the seminars speak with conviction and from personal experience about employing people with disabilities. Committee members also provide information to employers about adaptive equipment to enhance the working skills of people with disabilities.

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee acts as a liaison between the City and its citizens on issues related to the availability and accessibility of housing. The committee works closely with individuals and families seeking affordable, accessible housing.

Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee acts a liaison between the City and its citizens on issues regarding the accessibility of transportation. The committee works with the City to ensure that the transportation needs of people with disabilities are being addressed.

Members

• Ricky Scott
  Chairperson
  919-673-8300
• Philip Woodward
  Vice Chair, Chair of Public Information 
  919-518-9525
• Sharon Benton
  Treasurer
  919-755-0700
• Lori Millette
  Secretary, Chair of Nomination and Scholarship Committee
  919-324-1128
• Tara Waters
  Chair of Awards Banquet
  919-532-5572
• John Samuel
  Chair of Employer Resources 
• Andy Landes
  Chair of Health, Wellness, and Recreation 
  919-810-9043
• Shakema McClean
  Chair of Community and Transportation Access 
  919-741-2700
• Robert Parrish
  Chair of Housing Committee
  919-616-1606
• Donnie Best
  Member
• Lawrence Carter
  Member
• Paula Coppola
  Member
• Suzette Harrington
  Member
• Julia Matthews-McClain
  Member
• Ginger Rush
  Member
• Bob Evans
  Member
• Ronnie Marshall
  Member