Disability Awareness Committee | Phoenix Sister Cities

Committee Information

The Phoenix Sister Cities Disability Awareness Committee (DAC) was the first of its kind developed in the United States. To this day, the Phoenix Sister Cities remains the only local program with a committee that focuses on disability issues by increasing awareness.

The DAC has won numerous awards for excellence recognizing exchange programs organized with the Sister Cities of Phoenix. Current programs include:

Annual International Competition’s with different disability awareness themes each year that include:
Artists with Disabilities
Writers with Disabilities
Photographer (open to all but in keeping with disability theme of the year)

Also:
Adaptive recreation exchanges
Workshops on brain injuries
Occupational and physical therapy
Exchange of information on mobility and accessibility
Holiday Teddy Bear and Book Event to benefit children with special needs and pediatric cancer patients

View the PDF

Mission Statement

To provide Phoenix Sister Cities Commission (PSCC) with the opportunity to increase disability awareness among PSCC and its member sister cities for the purpose of promoting the equalization of opportunities within society on behalf of all world citizens with disabilities and their families.

To provide a global standard for how to incorporate individuals with disabilities into all aspects of PSCC programming.

Artists Competition Writers Competition Photographers Competition

How Can I Get Involved?

You don’t have to formally work in the disability field and/or have a disability to be part of this team. We are always looking for dedicated people who can offer fresh ideas. Sharing ideas, resources and energy help make this group so successful so please contact us or call in to our next meeting and learn more.

Interested in joining the DAC Committee?

Resources:
ABIL: http://ability360.org
AZ spinal Cord Injury Association: www.azspinal.org
ADD/ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder: www.helpguide.org
Alport Syndrome: www.alportsyndrome.org
Angelman Syndrome: www.angelman.org
Arizona Autism Coalition: www.azautism.org
Arizona Center for Disability Law: www.azdisabilitylaw.org
Arthritis: www.arthritisfoundation.com
Asperger Syndrome: www.aspergers.com
Autism: www.autism.com
The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center/SARRC: www.autismcenter.org
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
Bilateral perilymph fistulas: www.american-hearing.org
Blind: www.nfb.org
Brain Injury: www.biausa.org
Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Cerebral Palsy: www.cpco.org
Challenging Behavior: www.challengingbehavior.org
Down Syndrome: www.downsyndrome.com
Epilepsy: www.epilepsy.com
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: www.nofas.org
Fragile X Syndrome: www.fragilexsyndrome.org
Institute for Human Development: www.nau.edu
Mental Health: www.mbcd.org
NADD an association for persons with developmental disabilities and Mental Health Needs: www.thenadd.org
PAL Experiences: www.palexperience.org
Raising Special Kids: www.raisingspecialkids.org
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome: www.smithleliopitz.org
Smith-Magenis Syndrome: www.smithmagenissyndrome.com
Special Olympics: www.specialolympics.org or www.specialolympicsarizona.org
Tourette syndrome: www.tourettesyndrome.net
Spina Bifida: www.spinabiffidaassociation.org
The Division of Developmental Disabilities: www.azdes.gov
Transverse Myelitis: www.myelitis.org
Williams Syndrome: www.williams-syndrome.org

Committee Meetings

Taipei Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Michael Sleeseman mls71@me.com
Staff Liason: Rick Gerrard rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every second Tuesday of the month.

View our calendar for future meetings please note dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm meeting dates, times and locations one week prior to scheduled time.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
PHOENIX SISTER CITIES
DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE

Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the PHOENIX SISTER CITIES COMMISSION and to the general public, that the DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at 5:00 PM located at 2555 E Georgia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016. One or more members of the Disabilities Awareness Committee may participate by teleconference. 602-744-5850 ID 23646#

For further information, please call Phoenix Sister Cities (602) 534-3751. For reasonable accommodations, call Phoenix Sister Cities at Voice (602) 534-3751 or TTY (602) 534-5000 as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements.

Past Meetings

2016/2017
06/06/17 Agenda 06/07/17 Minutes
05/02/17 Agenda 05/02/17 Minutes
04/04/17 Agenda
03/07/17 Agenda 03/07/17 Minutes
02/07/17 Agenda 02/07/17 Minutes
01/03/17 Agenda 01/03/17 Minutes
12/06/16 Agenda 12/06/16 Minutes
11/01/16 Agenda 11/01/16 Minutes
10/04/16 Agenda 10/04/16 Minutes
09/06/16 Agenda 09/06/16 Minutes
08/02/16 Agenda 08/02/16 Minutes

View older meeting items

Events & Activities

Phoenix Sister Cities 5K (6/9/2017) - When: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: Check-in begins at 7 a.m. Race begins at 8 a.m. Where: 5802 E. Indian School Road. Phoenix, AZ To register: Click here If you have any questions, please call: 602.534.3751
Mayor Stanton wishes Phoenix Sister Cities a Happy New Year (2/18/2017) - https://youtu.be/FSvexvB4iG8
Grenoble DAC Delegation Trip 2017 (2/17/2017) -
Disability Awareness Committee 2017 Calendar (1/6/2017) - Purchase yours today by clicking here!