ARTICLE I: BY-LAWS

This document shall be known as the By-Laws of the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities (hereinafter the "Governor's Council" or "the Council") shall be to serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor's Office directly and, as needed, to the General Assembly on issues relating to the needs, problems, and other concerns of people with disabilities. (ORC.3303.41)

ARTICLE III: MISSION STATEMENT

The Governor's council on People with Disabilities exists to:

•  Advise the Governor and General Assembly on statewide disability issues

•  Educate and advocate for:

Partnerships at the local, state and national level

Promotion of equality, access and independence

Development of employment opportunities

•  Promote the value of diversity, dignity and the quality of life for people with disabilities

•  Be a catalyst to create systemic change to promote awareness of disability-related issues that will ultimately benefit all citizens of Ohio

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Members, Appointed

The Governor's Council shall consist of 21 members appointed by the governor, the majority of whom shall be persons with disabilities. A "person with a disability" means an individual who has a disability or condition which, regardless of to its physical or mental origin, imposes a functional limitation.

Council members shall commit to serve as volunteer members of this advisory body whose charge is to advise the governor's office and the general assembly with regard to disability issues. Each member brings a unique background of information, interests, talents, and life experiences which can be used to enhance the goals and objectives of the Council (ORC.3303.41)

Section 2: Membership Roles

The role of a member shall be to:

Support and assist the council staff and members in fulfilling the responsibilities to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and all those who are concerned about disability issues.

Keep informed about relevant legislation, associations, activities, organizations, programs, and ideas at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Develop an understanding of the philosophies and appreciation for the diversity of the disability community.

Learn how the legislative and executive branches of government operate and how to effectively impact the legislative process.

Fulfill the responsibilities of the role of a council member in a manner consistent with the morals and ethics defined in the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 3 : Membership Responsibilities

It shall be the responsibility of each member to:

Attend meetings regularly and participate in the committee process to develop Council policies.

Utilize the democratic process, with Committee and Council discussion, to strive for consensus on policies to improve the lives of people with disabilities and to make the world truly barrier free.

Participate in organizations and other groups whose missions are congruent with the mission of the Governor's Council so that collaborative ventures, communication and understanding can be increased among disability groups.

Collaborate with individuals, groups, organizations and coalitions so that resources can be used efficiently and effectively, unmet needs identified and the interests of people with disabilities advanced.

Represent Council positions with prior knowledge and approval of the Chairperson.

Serve as liaison/advisor to other groups and organizations as requested by the Chairperson.

Section 4: Membership Terms

The governor shall appoint members for a term of three years with a rotation of seven new members each year. Members may succeed themselves not more than one time. Members appointed to a term of less than three years to fill a vacancy shall be eligible for appointment to one additional term. A member whose term is expiring shall continue to be a member until the governor appoints a replacement member, not to exceed 30 days beyond the appointment date.

Section 5: Membership Expenses

Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Section 6 : Members, Ex-Officio

1. The Administrator of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) shall appoint an individual from the employment service division to serve as an ex-officio member of the Council to maintain a liaison between ODJFS and the Council.

2. The Immediate Past Chairperson shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Council for one year following his/her term of office if his/her term on Council expires simultaneously with his/her term of office.

3. Ex-Officio Members are entitled to the same privileges as appointed members with the exception of voting, holding office and reimbursement of expenses in carrying out Council business

Section 7: Members, Advisory/Liaison

1. The Chairperson shall appoint, as necessary, individuals from the community, which may include former council members, to serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and its Committees.

2. Such members shall be known as Advisory/Liaison Members.

3. Such members shall be selected for their expertise and knowledge in providing linkages with agencies, both public and private, and organizations of and for people with disabilities.

4. Such members are not entitled to vote, hold office, or receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out Council business.

5. The Chairperson shall appoint, as necessary, Council Members to serve as advisors to other organizations and groups.

Section 8: Membership Year

Each membership year shall begin on August 19 th .

Section 9: Resignations

Any member who desires to resign from the Council shall submit a letter of resignation to the Governor with a copy to the Chairperson of the Council.

Section 10: Removal of Members

A Council Member must attend at least 4 council meetings (which consists of both the full Council meetings and the Committee meetings) during a Council year or he/she will forfeit his/her position.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 1: Responsibilities and Powers of the Chairperson

1. Each year, the Governor shall appoint one Council member as Chairperson.

2. The Chairperson shall be responsible for calling all meetings of the membership. He/she shall appoint members to service as officers and/or Chairpersons of Standing, Special or Ad Hoc Committees and shall serve as ex-officio members of all Committees.

3. The Chairperson shall develop the agenda for all meetings of Council.

4. The Chairperson is empowered to regulate who, excluding council members, may address the Council at its meetings.

5. The Chairperson shall conduct the meetings of the Council.

Section 2: Responsibilities of Other Officers

The officers of the Council shall consist of a Chairperson, appointed by the Governor, a First Vice-Chairperson, a Second Vice-Chairperson, and a Third Vice-Chairperson, appointed by the Chairperson.

The officers of the Council shall perform the usual duties of such offices together with the duties provided in the subsections below:

1. The First Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the discharge of his/her duties. In the absence of the Chairperson, the First Vice-Chairperson shall assume these duties.

2. The Second Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the discharge of his/her duties. In the absence of the Chairperson and the First Vice-Chairperson, the Second Vice-Chairperson shall assume these duties.

3. The Third Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the discharge of his/her duties. In the absence of the Chairperson, First and Second Vice-Chairperson, the Third Vice-Chairperson shall assume these duties.

Section 3: Terms of Office

Officers shall hold office for a term of one year and may be reappointed to each office held for one additional term. The Chairperson whose term is expiring shall continue as Chairperson until the governor appoints a new Chairperson. Other officers' terms of office shall commence on the first day of the membership year.

ARTICLE VI: STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Executive Director of RSC shall assign one professional staff person to serve as executive director and other personnel as determined advisable.

2. The Executive Director shall direct the daily operations of the Council.

3. The Executive Director shall act as the chief spokesperson for the Council.

4. The Executive Director shall be responsible for distributing minutes of all meetings of the Council, publishing a roster of members, issuing notices and agendas for all meetings, scheduling and making arrangements for regular and special meetings and providing necessary clerical and support services.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

The Council shall meet at least six times annually at such times and places as may be designated by the Chairperson.

All meetings are open to the public in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Section 1: Annual Meeting

A. The last meeting of the membership year shall be known as the Annual Meeting and shall be for the purpose of receiving reports of standing and Ad Hoc Committees and for any other business that may arise.

B. The Council shall report annually to the governor on Council activities and on the state of Ohio 's people with disabilities. This report may include any recommendation believed necessary or desirable to carry out the functions of the Council.

Section 2: Quorum

Eleven voting members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3: Meeting Rules

Council meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts' Rules of Order , revised edition.

ARTICLE VIII: POWERS OF THE COUNCIL

The powers of the council shall be those defined in ORC 3303.41.

ARTICLE IX: Committees

Section 1: Standing

The Council shall have the following Standing Committees:

Executive - acts on behalf of the Council in emergency situations and provides direction and guidance to staff between meetings. It shall consist of the Chairperson, 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd Vice-Chairpersons and the Chairpersons of all other Standing and Ad Hoc Committees.

Education - to educate the public through the promotion of Council activities relating to the theme: people first, disability second. Focus on abilities rather than disabilities.

Employment - the purpose of this committee's activities is to expand employment opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities in both the public and private sector.

Access Concerns - to aid and implement the elimination of architectural and attitudinal barriers for all disabilities .

Health and Welfare - to promote and develop a better understanding of issues pertaining to the health and welfare of Ohioans with disabilities, and provide leadership towards attaining a satisfactory resolution of these issues.

Nominating - submits recommendations to the governor for appointments to the Council as well as for the Council Chairperson.

Annual Meeting - collaborates with staff to determine design and programming for this event.

Section 2: Ad Hoc

The Council Chairperson may appoint other Ad Hoc Committees as necessary.

Section 3: Committee Minutes

Committee minutes, once recorded, shall be distributed to the members of the committee except when expressly waived by agreement of said committee members. Minutes of any committee shall be available to any member of the Council upon request, but in no event shall minutes be mailed to all members as a matter of course.

Section 4: Committee Reports

Committee reports shall be presented to the full Council. Copies of written reports accepted by the Council shall be available to council members and will be mailed to all council members as a matter of course.

ARTICLE X: AMENDING OF BY-LAWS

Any article or section of these By-Laws may be amended or revoked by a three-fourths vote of members present at any authorized regular or special meeting of the Council.

Final Revision

Approved April 10, 2003