# Subtitle 23 – Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 23-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-1 (2026)

(a) As used in this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless their context clearly indicates otherwise.

(b)

(c) “City” means the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, the body corporate as established by <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter">the Charter of Baltimore City</cite>.

(d) “Commission” means the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities.

(e) Any other term used in this subtitle shall be defined as such terms are defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and the federal regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

*History: Ord. 22-125*

## § 23-2 Purpose.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-2 (2026)

It is the purpose of this Commission to:

(1) advise the City on the accessibility of City facilities, programs, and services for citizens with disabilities;

(2) assist the City to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and

(3) assist the City in providing information and education programs to City government, businesses, and industries with regard to reasonable accommodations for employment and other issues concerning persons with disabilities.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

## § 23-3 Commission established.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-3 (2026)

There is a Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

## § 23-4 Members; associates.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-4 (2026)

(a)

  (1) The Commission consists of 23 members:

    (i) a Mayor’s representative;

    (ii) a representative of the City Council; and

    (iii) 21 members appointed by the Mayor under <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter</cite> as follows:

      A. 9 persons with disabilities, not employed in the field of disabilities;

      B. 3 family members of persons with disabilities; and

      C. 9 representatives of business, industry, community organizations, non-profit organizations, and organizations representing persons with disabilities, at least 3 of whom are persons with disabilities.

  (2) Of the members appointed under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection, at least 1 must be appointed from each of the 14 Council Districts.

  (3) Each member appointed under paragraph (1)(iii)C of this subsection must work or reside in the City.

(b) One representative from each of the following agencies serves as a non-voting associate:

  (1) Commission on Aging and Retirement Education.

  (2) Health Department.

  (3) Department of Recreation and Parks.

  (4) Department of Planning.

  (5) Department of Housing and Community Development.

  (6) Department of Human Resources.

  (7) Department of Transportation.

  (8) Law Department.

  (9) Community Relations Commission.

  (10) Baltimore City Public School System.

  (11) Office of Employment Development.

  (12) Police Department.

  (13) Department of Social Services.

  (14) Fire Department.

  (15) Department of Transportation.

  (16) Enoch Pratt Free Library.

  (17) Office of Emergency Management.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

*History: Ord. 97-141*

*History: Ord 04-822*

*History: Ord. 08-033*

*History: Ord. 15-435*

## § 23-5 Terms, organization, etc.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-5 (2026)

(a) Members serve for a term of 4 years concurrent with the Mayor’s term of office.

(b) Members and associates serve without compensation.

(c)

  (1) At the end of a term, an appointed member serves until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

  (2) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves out the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(d)

  (1) The Commission shall meet on the call of the Mayor or its Chair as frequently as required to perform its duties, but not less than 6 times a year.

  (2) A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and an affirmative vote by the majority of a quorum is sufficient for any official action.

(e) The Commission may adopt rules to govern its meetings and operations.

(f) Any member who is absent from more than 25% of the scheduled regular meetings, not counting absences excused by the Chair, during any 6-month period, shall be considered by the Mayor to have resigned and shall be so notified by the Commission.

(g)

  (1) The Mayor shall designate an appointed member, representing the membership category identified in § 23-4(a)(3)(i), as Chair of the Commission.

  (2) The Chair may select other officers.

(h) The Chair of the Commission may appoint committees to carry out the functions and duties of the Commission.

(i) Representatives of state agencies and other organizations that serve the interests of the disabled in Baltimore City may be invited by the Commission to participate in Commission meetings.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

*History: Ord. 97-141*

*History: Ord. 99-526*

## § 23-6 Duties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-6 (2026)

The Commission shall:

(1) assist in the development of a transition plan for the City of Baltimore to address community access to facilities, open spaces, and communications, and advise the Mayor on the implementation of the plan by January 26, 1995;

(2) assist in the identification and evaluation of all City programs and services that impact the major life activities of persons with disabilities;

(3) recommend modification of services or new services for persons with disabilities;

(4) research, assemble, analyze and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities;

(5) work to eliminate discrimination of persons with disabilities;

(6) in consultation with the Division of Occupational Medicine and the Community Relations Commission, institute and conduct educational programs, meetings, and conferences designed to promote equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities;

(7) cooperate with interested citizens, general community, business, professional, technical, educational, and civic organizations in furthering the interests of persons with disabilities;

(8) work jointly with other jurisdictions on conducting similar activities;

(9) work to remove inequalities due to unmet needs or discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of housing, recreation, employment, education, community services, and related matters;

(10) cooperate and collaborate with all municipal agencies, including the Division of Occupational Medicine and the Community Relations Commission, to avoid duplication of efforts;

(11) provide information to the residents of the City, the Mayor’s Office, the City Council, and various offices of the city, state, and federal government on matters involving the needs of persons with disabilities;

(12) recommend programs or legislation as necessary to promote and insure equal rights and opportunities for all persons with disabilities;

(13) work to assure that information and referral needs are met and that information about City programs is disseminated;

(14) hold a public forum at least yearly to give persons with disabilities an opportunity to voice their concerns;

(15) work to assure the development of an effective delivery system of public, private, and consumer resources to all persons with disabilities;

(16) assist the Director of the Commission with regard to inquiries, complaints, and other problems with City services for persons with disabilities;

(17) assist in the coordination of state and federal programs and services available to the City, business, and industry; and

(18) provide other advice as requested by the Mayor, City Council, and municipal agencies.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

## § 23-7 Director; staff; budget.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-7 (2026)

(a) In consultation with the Commission, the Mayor shall appoint a Director of the Commission in accordance with <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter</cite>.

(b) The Director shall perform duties as required by the Mayor to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

(c) Staff may be employed in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates.

(d) The Director may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriations.

*History: Ord. 93-237*

## § 23-8 Reports.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 23-8 (2026)

(a) The Commission shall submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council within 2 months of the end of the fiscal year.

(b) The Commission shall submit reports on specific subjects at the request of the Mayor, City Council, or municipal agencies.

*History: Ord. 93-237*