Gloucester County Disability Advisory Council

Purpose

The Gloucester County Disability Advisory Council (DAC) was newly created in June, 2013 and succeeds the former Disabled Person's Advisory Commission which was established in 1986. The Disability Advisory Council was established to articulate a voice for Gloucester County's residents with disabilities through the Commissioner Liaison of the Board of County Commissioners and the Division of Disability Services. The Council's mission is to address the needs of Gloucester County's approximately 50,800 people with disabilities from birth through adulthood and guide the community in areas of education, vocational training, community involvement, socialization opportunities and advocacy.

The Council also intends to explore new directions for effective delivery of services to the County's population and in so doing, work toward a more independent and higher quality of life for those individuals who choose it.

Goals

The Council seeks to establish improved services in the area of accessible, affordable housing, assistant care, special transportation services, education and job training, employment opportunities, affordable medical care, legal assistance, recreation and social activities.

In addition, it is the goal of the Council to work directly with the County's Division of Disability Services to provide insight, relevancy in programs, services, and guidelines and recommendations for the Division's Director and staff.

Structure

The Disability Advisory Council members are county citizens with disabilities and/or service providers and are appointed yearly by the Gloucester County Board of County Commissioners. The Executive Committee consists of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson who are elected by the Council to a one year term.