Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 12, 2003

PUBLIC MEETING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT POLICY AND LEGISLATION AFFECTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Jefferson City, MO --  The Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability and the Ozark Independent Living Center will hold a public meeting June 20, 2003 to discuss public policy and legislation affecting people with disabilities.

The meeting will be held at the Ozark Independent Living Center, 109 Aid Avenue, in West Plains, MO at 11 a.m.  It is free and open to the public.

Rob Honan, executive director of the Governor’s Council on Disability, will present an overview of the Council’s mission and services.  He will also discuss the Council’s work to improve Missouri’s compliance with the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision clarifying states’ responsibilities for providing services and treatment for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act; as well as the role of the Personal Independence Commission established by Governor Holden in 2001 and results of the 2003 legislative session.

The Governor’s Council on Disability focuses on creating a climate in which all Missourians with and without disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities.  They provide information about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and help individuals obtain access to assistive technology. The Council also conducts educational seminars, provides on-site training, and works to effect public policy change.

For more information, or if you require accommodations of any kind, please contact the Governor’s Council on Disability toll free at (800) 877-8249 or TTY (800) 735-2966; or the Ozark Independent Living Center at (417) 257-0038 or TTY (888) 440-7500 by June 13, 2003.