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 citizens 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 citizens, including citizens with disabilities.

We accomplish this mission by providing and participating in programs and services which address the needs and rights of citizens 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

Ponce is a bilingual advocacy and government professional with 11 years of experience in city government. He worked as the Senior Community Engagement Liaison at MOPD between 2014 to 2021.

In 2004, Ponce suffered a spinal cord injury resulting from an automobile wreck. He is now a wheelchair user.

“As a staunch advocate for the disability community, Angel understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all citizens, including ...

Read more about the MOPD Director ...

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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 (HCOD) was created in 1993. The 12 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. Read more about the HCOD ...

The Houston Commission on Disabilities meets every second Thursday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted, at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray, and Houston, TX 77019. The 2022 meeting dates are: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all HCOD meetings will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. You can register to attend the virtual meeting and give public comment (up to 3 minutes) at bit.ly/HCOD2022.

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Sr. Staff Analyst

John SerranoJohn Serrano John Serrano is currently working as a Senior Staff Analyst for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. He is a native New Yorker but a Houstonian at heart. Throughout his 8-year career with the City of Houston, he has managed several technology and public infrastructure projects and programs for ARA, HPD, and HPW. He most recently spearheaded long-range planning and prioritization efforts for the Mayor’s Street Rehabilitation and Proactive Pothole Initiatives. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the University of Houston – Victoria. He is a certified Project Management Professional, Envision Sustainability Professional, and a member of the American Public Works Association.

Sr. Office Asst.

Amanda BoydAmanda Boyd is a resident of Houston Texas. She is currently the Office Clerk for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. She is working towards finishing her Associates and ultimately plans to graduate with a bachelor degree in Business Administration.

Community Liaison

Kayla MelchoKayla Melcho is currently working as the Community Liaison for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Originally from Indiana, she attended Northern Kentucky University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration. Over the last 8 years, she has worked in various roles providing resources and services, advocacy, and prevention education to underrepresented populations across the Southern portion of the US before finally settling down in Houston, TX. Kayla builds and maintains relationships with local community agencies to increase access to services and provide support for individuals with disabilities. She also works at our associated location, the West Gray Multiservice Center to provide resources and referrals directly to the disabled community. She is actively working on increasing the number of disability-related programs offered at the West Gray facility to increase accessibility to services to the community. In her free time, she enjoys participating in community outreach and voting initiatives. Kayla is a registered Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar and is qualified to assist individuals within Harris County to complete their Voting Registration. She also enjoys exploring State and National Parks, creating artwork, and spoiling her fur babies.