Council members: (L to R) John Drebenstedt, Karen Horvath, Kelly Shields, Tina Acosta, Laura Maser, Nancy Steigmeyer, Joni Schmalzried and
Ronald Duchovic. (not pictured: Donna Elbrecht)

Fort Wayne Allen County Disability Advisory Council

Overview

The purpose of the Council is to assist the City of Fort Wayne, Mayor’s Office and Allen County Board of Commissioners in becoming models of providing equal access for people with disabilities to employment, services, programs and activities offered in the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County.

Vision

We envision an inclusive community of equity, dignity, and respect, where disability is understood as a natural part of human diversity.

Mission

The Fort Wayne / Allen County Disability Advisory Council is an official voice advising both city and county governments to build a community of inclusion by advocating for people with disabilities, their families and supporting organizations, to ensure they are treated with equity, dignity, and respect. By reporting on identified problems, recommending solutions, and engaging local government, we work to remove physical and societal barriers. The Disability Advisory Council highly esteems as its core values:

• Commitment to the community,
• Integrity in its actions,
• Wisdom and Expertise in making thoughtful recommendations,
• Fairness in all its endeavors,
• Legacy as a reflection of enduring change,
• Cooperation with all members of the community, and
• Courage in the face of opposition.
  
  

2024 Council Members

• Chairperson: Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program Officer, AWS Foundation
• Vice-Chairperson: Kelly Shields, Design Collaborative
• Secretary: Tina Acosta, Turnstone Director of Outreach
• John Drebenstedt, Communication and Technology Coordinator, Southwest Lutheran Church
• Ronald Duchovic, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, Purdue University (IPFW)
• Donna Elbrecht, CEO, Easter Seals ARC of Northeast Indiana
• Karen Horvath, Deaflink Director, The League
• Laura Maser, Allen County ADA Coordinator

Role

The role of the Council is to “observe” and “suggest” but not “demand” action from either the County or City governments or other nongovernmental agencies.

Connect with the Council

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Disability Advisory Council's Annual Reports and Information: (include links to .pdfs of documents)

2021 annual report

2022 annual report

2022 strategic plan

2023 annual report

Disability Advisory Council's monthly minutes: (include links to .pdfs of documents)