The Garland City Council voted Nov. 3 to establish an All Abilities Committee to advise the city on accessibility, use of city facilities, outreach and policy recommendations.

Assistant City Manager Phil Yrutia told the council the committee would follow the city’s existing committee policies, be formed through an application process, and include nine members — one appointee for each council member and one appointee by the mayor. Yrutia said the draft mission included advising on policies, identifying gaps in accessibility, advancing communications about events and city operations, and promoting collaboration with schools, nonprofits and businesses.

Council members debated whether the committee’s establishing language should explicitly require representation from people who use American Sign Language or otherwise have speech, sensory or communication needs. Council Member Williams asked whether the intent was to "add that language" to guarantee those communities had representation. Council Member Dutton said the council could consider applicants’ accessibility needs when making appointments but warned against enumerating every possible ability in the founding language and thereby risking exclusion of groups the council might not anticipate.

Several residents spoke in favor of the committee during the public comment period. Mary Ellenfeld, who addressed the council about people she described as “other abled,” urged the council to listen to the community’s lived experience. Grant Laird Jr., who identified himself as Deaf and a user of American Sign Language, urged approval and said proactive accessibility planning — including captions, clear signage and interpreters — reduces long-term retrofit costs and benefits a broad population. Lindsay Fiegelman compared the proposed body to other city boards and commissions, asking, “Why should we not give a voice to all types of people in our city?”

Council Member Dutton moved to approve the committee and Mayor Pro Tem Luck seconded the motion. The council approved the item unanimously.

The council packet included a resolution establishing the committee; staff said that specific bylaws, mission statements and any amendments to standard committee bylaws would return to council for approval once the committee organized.

Council members and staff said they expect the application process to open through the city secretary’s office promptly if the council’s action is implemented.

Clarifying details from the meeting: the committee would have nine members (one appointment per council member plus one mayoral appointee); the committee will follow the city’s established committee policies and application process; staff said a resolution in the council packet defines the committee but that mission and bylaws would be finalized later and require council approval.

What’s next: if implemented, the city secretary’s office will open applications for the committee and council members will make appointments once the process is complete.