Disabilities Commission meeting summary | Columbia | The Common News

Summary

Disabilities Commission meeting summary

ColumbiaApr 9, 20264 min read

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The commission discussed promoting the Dawn Z Program to recognize accessibility in local businesses, along with Earth Day booth planning and nominations for the Senator Chuck Graham Award.

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Disabilities Commission

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What this means

The commission focused on making Columbia more accessible through a new local-business recognition program called Dawn Z. Members and guests discussed how the program could help businesses show they are welcoming to people with disabilities and visitors with accessibility needs. The commission also reviewed plans for its Earth Day booth and started work on nominations for the Senator Chuck Graham Award. Public comment included a request to consider creating a Mental Health Commission.

Key decisions

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Approved the April 9 agenda as amended.
Approved the March 12, 2026 minutes.
Discussed the Dawn Z Program and said it will look for ways to develop and improve the program after launch.
Discussed Earth Day booth planning for April 26, 2026.
Discussed opening nominations and promotion for the Senator Chuck Graham Award, with selections planned for June and presentation by City Council at its first meeting in August.

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Meeting information

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Disabilities Commission

Apr 9, 2026, 8:00 PMCity Hall Council Chambers 701 East Broadway Columbia, Missouricompleted

Regular

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
INTRODUCTIONS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DRAFT March 12, 2026 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
The Commission allows time for public comments or questions at the beginning of each meeting to address the commission on items listed on the agenda or matters of public business not listed on the agenda, but within the purview of the commission (limited to 3 minutes).
SPECIAL ITEMS
Promotion of the Dawn Z Program to recognize accessibility in local businesses. Guests include the following: Shawna Johnson, Engagement Coordinator, City of Columbia; Lauren Weber, Industry Relations Specialist, Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Carrie Gartner, Director, The Loop; Lily White Boyd, Interim President, Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Cody Moore, Graphic Artist, City of Columbia; Christian Tabak, Public Information Specialist, City of Columbia.
OLD BUSINESS
Earth Day Planning for April 26, 2026
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on Senator Chuck Graham Award for opening nominations and promotion
Page Break
REPORTS
Future Agenda Items
Chair
Staff Report
Public Transit Advisory Commission
Safe Streets for All Working Group
Airport Steering Committee
GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF
NEXT MEETING DATE: May 14, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Virtual participation in this meeting is available for any individuals reasonably prevented from in-person attendance pursuant to City Council Bill 371-21. In order to request virtual participation, please email disabilityservices@como.gov or call (573) 817-5024. The City asks that you make your request for virtual participation 24 hours in advance, or as soon as possible. All virtual participants are required to have the camera on in order to participate in the meeting.
Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email CITY@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of the posted meeting date as possible.
USB DRIVES PROHIBITED: A speaker who desires to display a presentation must upload the presentation, in advance, to the city network using an upload portal. To upload your files and learn more, visit CoMo.gov/upload.

Documents from this meeting

Agendahttps://gocolumbiamo.legistar1.com/gocolumbiamo/meetings/2026/4/8900_A_Disabilities_Commission_26-04-09_Meeting_Agenda.pdf
Minuteshttps://gocolumbiamo.legistar1.com/gocolumbiamo/meetings/2026/4/8900_M_Disabilities_Commission_26-04-09_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

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