Under leadership and coordination from the office in the Columbus Government Center, committee volunteers plan and implement various programs and projects to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities

Functions of the committee office include helping needy persons with disabilities connect with organizations and agencies that can supply necessary goods and services.

This committee's success has made it a model for Mayor's Committees throughout Georgia and Alabama.

Committee goals are to conceive and conduct programs and projects that will meet the needs of people with disabilities and promote enhancement of their quality of life.

• HEAD INJURY
• SPINAL CORD INJURY
• MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ILLNESS
• CEREBRAL PALSY
• STROKE
• AIDS
• CANCER
• MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

• MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
• VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
• HEARING IMPAIRMENT
• SPEECH IMPAIRMENT
• DIABETES
• CARDIOPULMONARY DISEASE
• KIDNEY/LIVER DISEASE
• SEVERE BURNS

From personal experience and observation I have concluded that we often miss great opportunities to involve all of our citizens. That is an unfortunate failure to fully utilize our human resources, and it keeps us from the high level of excellence we could achieve.

The committee seeks to correct the situation by promoting access for all to all public facilities, helping disabled persons find productive and creative roles, and dispelling false notions about the nature of disabilities. The Mayor's Committee is committed to helping persons with disabilities reach their great potential for participation and accomplishment.

To all who are interested in those worthy goals I commend the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and I invite you to join in the work of this dedicated group.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are needed to help plan, promote and participate in projects and programs designed to meet the ever changing needs of people with disabilities.

GIVE

Funds are needed for projects and events the committee sponsors for persons with disabilities, their families and supporters.

COMMUNICATE

Your input--ideas and suggestions--can help the committee be more effective. If you have a disability, or if you are a family member or friend of a person with a disability, the committee needs to hear from you. It's a way you can help the committee to help you.

JOIN

The Mayor's Committee needs people who will dedicate time and energy to this important cause. If you wish to become an active member, call the committee office at 653-4492.

• Trips to Six Flags for persons with disabilities
• "Spring Flings" for persons with disabilities and their families
• Dial-A-Ride (instrumental in implementation of this program)
• Pilot project for Transitional Living Programs (co-sponsor)
• National Theatre for the Deaf, at the Springer
• Handicapped Awareness Day, at the Government Center
• Employer workshops at Columbus College Employer workshops at Columbus College
• More designated parking spaces at Government Center and Police Department
• ID Cards for persons with disabilities through Sheriffs Department (One of a kind, model for other cities)
• Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageants, since 1992
• Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant, in Columbus, 1994
• Supported creation of position for legally blind person in the Columbus Police Department
• Promoted Challenger Little League for children with disabilities
• Accessibility awareness seminars
• Host, Mayor's Awards Banquets, since 1973
• Workshops for architects and building contractors
• Grant for home modifications through (Housing Authority and city Department of Community and Economic Development)
• Provided volunteers for Special Olympics
• Disability Education program in Muscogee County schools
• Funding for building ramps for needy persons
• Sponsored adults with disabilities to Camp ASCA
• Telephone Devices for Deaf (TDD) in Committee office and Marianna Gallops Center (Telephone Pioneers donations)

Wouldn't you like to be involved? Call 653-4492.

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