Chapter 2.72
COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES

Sections:

2.72.010    Definitions.

2.72.020    Established—Statutory authority.

2.72.030    Membership.

2.72.040    Term of office.

2.72.050    Organization and procedures.

2.72.060    Powers and duties.

2.72.010 Definitions.

Whenever used in this chapter, the words and phrases set forth below shall have the following meanings and shall be construed consistently with any applicable definitions set forth in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code Section 12900 et seq.):

“Major life activity” includes physical, mental, and social activities and working.

“Mental disability” includes, but is not limited to, having any mental or psychological disorder or condition, such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities, that limits a major life activity.

“Person with a disability” means any individual who has a mental or physical disability which limits a major life activity.

“Physical disability” includes, but is not limited to, having any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that does both of the following:

(1)    Affects one or more of the following body systems: neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; and

(2)    Limits a major life activity. [Ord. 5279 § 10, 2018; Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.030].

2.72.020 Established—Statutory authority.

The Commission on Disabilities is established under the authority of Government Code Section 31000.1. [Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 3875 § 1, 1987; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.010].

2.72.030 Membership.

The Commission shall consist of 10 voting members, residents of the County, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in the following manner:

(A)    Each Supervisor shall nominate one person with a disability, who may reside within the Supervisor’s district, to serve on the Commission;

(B)    Each Supervisor shall nominate an additional person who is either a person with a disability or an immediate family member of a person with a disability, who may reside within the Supervisor’s district, to serve on the Commission;

(C)    The managing supervisor of the local office of the California Department of Rehabilitation, or their designated representative, shall serve as an ex officio member of the Commission without a vote. [Ord. 5279 § 10, 2018; Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.040].

2.72.040 Term of office.

Each member shall serve for a term of four years, commencing on April 1st of the year in which such member’s appointing Supervisor begins a full term. [Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.050].

2.72.050 Organization and procedures.

(A)    General Organization. The Commission shall comply in all respects with SCCC 2.38.110 through 2.38.250, unless otherwise provided herein.

(B)    Staff Support. The County’s Commissions Coordinator shall provide staff support for the Commission. The Commissions Coordinator shall serve as the administrative staff to the Commission and shall provide to the Board of Supervisors copies of all reports and recommendations created by the Commission, prepare and mail the agendas, take minutes at each meeting, and perform other duties as directed by the Commission. [Ord. 5279 § 10, 2018; Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 4325 § 2, 1994; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.060].

2.72.060 Powers and duties.

The Commission shall exercise the following responsibilities in its efforts to serve persons with disabilities within this County:

(A)    Review existing County policies that affect persons with disabilities and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding any proposed changes;

(B)    Review Sections 503 and 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations and advise the Board of Supervisors on any actions necessary to bring the County into compliance with the Federal requirements and to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities;

(C)    Review the provision of access for persons with disabilities to public places within the County and recommend improvements where needed;

(D)    Review the County’s equal employment opportunity plan and policies, and recommend to the Board of Supervisors and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission any revisions which may be necessary to eliminate employment discrimination against persons with disabilities;

(E)    Review the County’s personnel rules and job descriptions, and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, and to the Civil Service Commission, as necessary, to ensure that any unnecessary barriers to the employment of persons with disabilities are removed;

(F)    Advise the Board of Supervisors on any other appropriate programs and actions which would increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities;

(G)    Evaluate services provided to persons with disabilities in the County and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors based on their conclusions;

(H)    Review requests by persons with disabilities or organizations for County assistance, and advise the Board of Supervisors on appropriate actions;

(I)    Investigate citizen complaints related to concerns of persons with disabilities and recommend appropriate actions to the Board of Supervisors;

(J)    Review Federal and State legislation of interest to persons with disabilities and advise the Board of Supervisors of their recommendation; and

(K)    Exercise other responsibilities related to the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities in the County. [Ord. 5279 § 10, 2018; Ord. 5058 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4592 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2744, 1979; prior code § 3.65.020].