Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The purpose of the Commission on Aging and Disabilities is to promote the welfare and betterment of older adults and people with disabilities of the City of Evanston. The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is necessary to achieve the following objectives:

• Ensure that older adults and people with disabilities will continue to be regarded as productive, responsible, contributing members of society;
• Advocate for the retention of all rights, privileges, and protections for older adults and people with disabilities;
• Assist older adults and people with disabilities in the maintenance of their dignity, self-respect, and independence;
• Educate the community and enlist the support and participation of all community members about those needs;
• Provide the opportunity for older adults and people with disabilities to express their desires and advance their causes; and
• Provide a voice to speak for that portion of older adults and people with disabilities who are unable to advocate on their own behalf, and provide an organizational structure that can accomplish such ends.

(Ord. No. 107-O-22)

MEMBERS: Nine (9) members appointed by the Mayor.

TERM: Three (3) years not to exceed two (2) full terms or until successors are appointed and confirmed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Evanston residents OR non-residents (not to exceed three members) who are employed within the City limits;
• Of various socio-economic groups and Ward residency;
• Cannot be paid staff member of any Evanston agency serving seniors;
• Age 60 or better (at least 1/3 of the Commission);
• An individual who self-identifies as a person with a disability (at least 1/3 of the Commission); and
• Desire and interest to work with and for older adults and people with disabilities and the ability to offer solutions to the difficulties encountered in the aging process.

MEETING DATE: 2nd Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m, except for August

REPORTS TO: Human Services Committee

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS:
Committee(s): Long-Term Care

On October 24, 2022, the Evanston City Council voted unanimously to amend the name and functions of The Evanston Commission on Aging and Disabilities to now include individuals with disabilities, and the Commission on Aging and Disabilities was created.

The former Evanston Commission on Aging and Disabilities established a variety of programs designed to enable older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in their own homes, increase the independence of older adults and individuals with disabilities, as well as advocacy programs that protect the rights of long-term care residents. The Commission will continue to sponsor educational forums and provides information about the array of services available in Evanston, many of which are provided through the Evanston Benefit Card program.

Services include:

• Access Evanston Program
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Public Transportation

Individuals who are not in the Access Evanston Program may apply for one at the Ecology Center, Robert Crown Community Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Chandler-Newberger Community Center or Levy Senior Center. Questions about eligibility criteria should be directed to the Levy Senior Center.

MEMBERS:

*2nd Term

Staff

Agendas and Minutes