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 ...

MOPD Facebook

MOPD Twitter

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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MOPD Director

Angel PonceAngel 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. Ponce was co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) and is currently the Chair for the United Way of Greater Houston, Interagency Information and Referral Network.

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Sr. Staff Analyst

John SerranoJohn Serrano is the 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 9-year career with the City of Houston, he has managed several technology and public infrastructure projects and programs for ARA, HPD, and HPW.

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Sr. Community Outreach

Stephanie HaechtenStephanie Haechten is the Senior Community Outreach Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Her background is in special education, not-for-profit leadership, and strategic planning. She has spent the last 10 years working in not-for-profit organizations including two Houston-area special schools and most recently, a social services agency for women and their children experiencing homelessness.

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Sr. Comm. Specialist

Reynaldo Herrera is the Senior Communications Specialist for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Serving the largest community in the heart of Houston. He has been a long-time member of working with the Deaf community for more than ten years, and has been actively building his robust skills to use.

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Community Engagement

Kayla MelchoKayla Melcho is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Her background is in community organization, public engagement, and affordable housing.

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Community Liaison

Sissel CarlsenSissel Carlsen is the Community Liaison for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Sissel is a graduate of the University of Houston, where she honed her skills and developed her passion for social justice.

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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.

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