What is the BCSMC?
How a Texas Organization is Helping People with Disabilities
According to its website, The Mayors’ Committee is committed to furthering “opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy full and equal access to employment and a life of independence, productivity, and self-determination.” The committee, headquartered in College Station, Texas, is made up of members appointed by the mayors of both Bryan and College Station.
What the Mayors’ Committee Does
The Mayors’ Committee holds regular meetings on a semi-monthly basis. It functions as a “clearing house” of information for people with disabilities, and seeks to provide disabled persons with employment resources. Committee members plan ways to work with individuals, employers, service providers, and other organizations so that the potential barriers posed by a disability are broken down.
In addition, the committee seeks to better understand the many disablities that affect individuals, and to encourage these individuals to use rehabilitation, training and placement services available to them in the Bryan-College Station area. According to its brochure, the Mayor’s Committee endeavors to connect disabled persons with agencies and organizations that specialize in providing employment assistance. There are no fees for these services.
BCSMC Visions and Goals
The Mayors’ Committee’s vision is that of a community dedicated to fullest possible inclusion of persons with disabilities. It strives to promote their well-being, advocacy, and potential in the community.
Disabled persons face many obstacles, including finding gainful employment, transportation, accessibility, and housing. Committee members are dedicated to addressing these issues and helping those in need find ways to overcome these hurdles. For example, through promoting awareness and education of The Americans with Disabilities Act, citizens of the Bryan-College Station are provided with information about how disabled persons are affected by cultural stigmas.
The Mayors’ Committee is affiliated with several other related, non-profit groups including The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, and The Texas Association of Mayors’ Committees on People with Disabilities.
Annual Events
In association with Junction 505, a private, not-for-profit organization, the Mayors’ Committee annually recognizes an individual each fall with the “Mayors’ Award.” This award acknowledges outstanding contributions by an individual to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities within the Bryan-College Station area. In addition, the committee sponsors a benefit called the “Junction Five-0-Five Harvest Moon Celebration and Fundraiser” in association with the award.
The Mayor’s Committee has announced plans to begin holding an annual event each October. The forum will target persons with disabilities and how to address their needs. There will be speakers at the event, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend so they may come together and receive information and advice from experts.
The Bryan-College Station Mayors’ Committee on People with Disabilities is working to make the twin cities of Bryan-College Station, Texas, model cities in hiring individuals with disabilities.
Bryan-College Station Mayors' Committee
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