Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities LogoThe mission of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is to serve as the primary advocate for the rights and needs of residents with disabilities. The Office also serves as a liaison between the mayor, city council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to people with disabilities in Houston. MOPD's vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all residents, including residents with disabilities.

We accomplish this mission by providing and participating in programs and services which address the needs and rights of residents with disabilities, including:

  • Facilitating delivery of services - including city services
  • Acting as liaison to Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD), City Council and other City Departments
  • Making recommendations to public and private entities regarding the development of policy and legislation
  • Establishing fundamental local, state and national partnerships to promote community awareness
  • Administering, developing new, and participating in programs and services according to our mission

MOPD Director

Angel Ponce

Angel Ponce serves as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), bringing forth a wealth of experience in advocacy and government spanning 13 years within city governance. In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce transitioned to life as a wheelchair user. ...

Read more about the MOPD Director ...

MOPD Facebook

Visual Fire Alarms

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Houstonians ...

TO QUALIFY FOR A FREE VISUAL FIRE ALARM YOU MUST:

  • Live in the City of Houston or Greater Houston Metropolitan Area
  • Have substantial hearing loss which requires a visual fire alarm

Please note: There are NO income requirements!

ADA And You

City of Houston

ADA Coordinator -- www.houstontx.gov/adainfo

ADA Policy -- www.houstontx.gov/adainfo/
ada-policy.pdf

ADA Grievance Procedure -- www.houstontx.gov/adainfo/
ada-procedure.pdf

Web Accessibility Statement -- www.houstontx.gov/adainfo/
webaccessibility.html

Other

Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) -- www.ilru.org

Department of Justice -- www.ada.gov

Houston Commission on Disabilities

In recognition of the fact that the needs and rights of people with disabilities are of vital concern to the City of Houston, the Houston Commission on Disabilities was created in 1993. The 14 members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor and subject to City Council confirmation. The Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and the City's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator are designated by the Mayor to be non-voting ex-officio members. Learn more about the HCOD.

HCOD COMMISSIONERS
Michael Cottingham -- Position 1
Ricky Harris -- Position 2 / Vice Chair
Ann M. Bacon -- Position 3
Daquan Minor -- Position 4
Sashikala Nisankarao -- Position 5
Monique Mason -- Position 6
AJ Morton -- Position 7
Amie Jean -- Position 8
Mary Sias -- Position 9
Meridith Silcox -- Position 10, Chair
Lydia Nunez Landry -- Position 11
Michaela Cueto -- Position 12
Osvaldo Capmany – Position 13
VACANT – Position 14
Marshall Watson -- ADA Coordinator and Ex-Officio Member
Angel Ponce -- MOPD Director and Ex-Officio Member

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MOPD Director

Angel PonceAngel Ponce Angel Ponce serves as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), bringing forth a wealth of experience in advocacy and government spanning 13 years within city governance. In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce transitioned to life as a wheelchair user.

Read more about Angel Ponce ...

Sr. Staff Analyst

John SerranoJohn Serrano assumes the role of Senior Staff Analyst for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, he is a native New Yorker but a Houstonian at heart. Over the course of his distinguished 9-year career with the City of Houston, John has demonstrated his proficiency in managing various technology and public infrastructure projects and programs for ARA, HPD, and HPW.

Read more about John Serrano ...

Sr. Community Outreach

Stephanie HaechtenStephanie Haechten assumes the role of Senior Community Outreach Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, leveraging a distinguished background in special education, not-for-profit leadership, and strategic planning.

Read more about Stephanie Haechten ...

Sr. Comm. Specialist

Reynaldo HerreraReynaldo Herrera holds the position of Senior Communications Specialist for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, overseeing communication initiatives for the largest community in the heart of Houston. With an extensive background, Reynaldo has dedicated over a decade to working with the Deaf community, continually honing his skills to better serve their needs. Read more about Reynaldo Herrera ...

Community Engagement

Kayla CochraneKayla Cochrane serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, bringing forth a robust background in community organization, public engagement, and affordable housing.

Read more about Kayla Cochrane ...

Community Liaison

Sissel CarlsenSissel Carlsen serves as the Community Liaison for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. A graduate of the University of Houston, Sissel cultivated her skills and nurtured her passion for social justice during her academic journey.

Read more about Sissel Carlsen ...

Sr. Office Asst.

Amanda BoydAmanda Boyd serves as the Senior Office Assistant for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. With six years of dedicated experience in City Government, she adeptly applies her skills in advocacy and community engagement to contribute meaningfully to her role.

Read more about Amanda Boyd ...

Program Assistant

Hilary PircherHilary Pircher currently serves as the Program Assistant at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, boasting an extensive background of 8 years in the realm of non-profit administration and education. Her professional journey has encompassed a dedicated 4-year tenure focused on students with disabilities.

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Hilary's Service Dog

DataData II serves as Hilary's Service Dog, meticulously trained by Canine Companions for Independence to provide invaluable assistance with physical tasks. Demonstrating an impressive repertoire of 40 commands, Data II plays a pivotal role in enhancing Hilary's ability to navigate various aspects of daily life.

Read more about Data II ...