Support for Local Governments: Accommodations for Officials with Disabilities
This act aims to help local governments provide necessary accommodations for elected or appointed officials with disabilities. This will enable these individuals to fully perform their duties, increasing their participation in public life and improving accessibility of local governments for all citizens. The act seeks to ensure consistent funding for these purposes, especially in smaller and poorer communities.
Key points
Local governments can receive grants to adapt workplaces for officials with disabilities, e.g., through office modifications, specialized software, or communication support.
Grants range from $3,000 to $50,000 annually and are available for rural areas, small towns (under 10,000 residents), and cities with populations up to 200,000 and high poverty rates.
Governments applying for grants must provide a matching contribution (at least 25% of the grant amount) and establish a special fund for accommodations, maintained for at least 4 years after the grant period ends.
The act aims to increase the representation of people with disabilities in local government by ensuring equal opportunities for them to serve in public office.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4595
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Process start date: 2022-07-21