“As Mayor, I’m responsible for the wellbeing of all Houstonians,  disabled and nondisabled, and I don’t take that charge lightly,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “My office for people with disabilities has taken great strides this year to make sure that no one gets left behind.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has hosted vaccine clinics for the flu and Covid-19 at community hubs around the city, utilizing partnerships with Houston METRO to ensure that regardless of transportation status, disabled Houstonians had access to these services.

“Access is the word I take with me to work every day and will continue to do throughout my time as mayor. These are the hallmarks of a city that looks after each other and one that continues to grow and thrive as a model in the U.S. and abroad. I look forward to another year leading a city that prioritizes access for all and encourages the growth and development of Houstonians with disabilities to live full lives,” said Mayor Turner.

“Houston’s disability community is vibrant and diverse,” said Gabe Cazares, Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. “Under Mayor Turners leadership, we have made historic investments in building a more accessible and inclusive city for residents and visitors with disabilities and I am thrilled to celebrate these accomplishments on this international day of persons with disabilities. Houston is setting the standard for municipal accessibility for the rest of the nation.”

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

For more information about MOPD, please click here.