LOCAL Houston | The City Guide JANUARY 2016 | Page 59

What is considered disabled?
CB Usually being disabled is someone that had/has a major life change
that is different from everyday activities and that have to do things differently than most people. They have to change the way they operate and
do things – mobile, visual, hearing.
How accessible is Houston for the disabled?
CB It’s been rated as one of the most accessible cities in the country but
we still have a long way to go – the city has a lot of things it’s planning
on changing, for instance the sidewalks could be more accessible.
Are there any specific services to ensure people with disabilities can get around?
CB Most disabled people use the MetroLift services, which is one of the
most widely used ways of getting around in Houston. Also, with Yellow
Cab, they are now starting a service to work with people with disabilities
outside of their contract with Metro.
What is done for people with disabilities?
CB Every event that is operated by the City should be accessible to anyone with disabilities. We are also making sure that movie theaters are
accessible. Workforce Solutions has a navigator team that works hard to
improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and
Houston Commission on Disabilities is also there to address the
needs of the community.
What changes do you foresee in 2016?
CB One of the things that we are working on to change is
improved awareness on the importance of including people with disabilities in the community. We are meeting about a disability event that’s in the process of
being planned. It’ll be like a parade, with other
activities that people with disabilities and those
without will be able to participate together.
The hope is to demonstrate the contribution
of people with disabilities and prevent discrimination so there is more inclusion – that’s
one of the things that Houston could improve
on: being more inclusive and recognizing the
impact that people with disabilities have had
and will continue to have. We also have a disability month kickoff each year in October.

JPMorgan Chase recently released their skills gap reports for nine cities
in the U.S., including Houston. In the report, Bob Harvey, President and
CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, one of JPMorgan Chase’s workforce partners in Houston, said, “JPMorgan Chase’s contribution of the
skills gap report is essential for the success of UpSkill Houston’s businessled effort to strengthen middle-skills training and preparation. The
report’s da H