1. MONTEREY COUNTY COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES

2. Purpose
The Monterey County Commission on Disabilities reviews and advises the Monterey County Board of Supervisors regarding matters relating to equal access to employment, public services, communications and public accommodations for people with disabilities.
Serves people with disabilities in Monterey County such as those with sight, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairment.

3. History
November 2000: Monterey County Board of Supervisors held hearings to determine if an advisory commission was needed to help their body provide better services for people with disabilities.
MCCOD was established February 20, Monterey County Commission on Disabilities was approved by supervisors Armenta, Pennycook, Calcagno, Johnsen and Potter. By-laws governing the commission were adopted.
June 2001: Bylaws governing the Commission were adopted.

4. History
January 2002: Monterey County Disability Advisory Commission was seated.
Bylaws state: “The Commission shall be composed of a total number of representatives not to exceed 23 and each supervisor shall appoint a representative for his/her district. Such members shall serve during the term of office of the appointing supervisor or until replaced."

5. Membership The Commission is composed of:
Representatives appointed by each member of the Board of Supervisors;
Representatives appointed by cities within Monterey County;
Representatives from various community- based organizations located in Monterey County.

6. Membership The Commission is composed of:
A representative from the Monterey County Department Heads Council; and
The Director of the County’s Resource Management Agency or his/her designee.

7. Staff
The Commission is staffed from the County's Equal Opportunity Office and reports directly to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
Staff:
Interim Equal Opportunity Officer - Juan Rodriguez
Associate Equal Opportunity Analyst – Michelle Gomez
Equal Opportunity Analyst - Cynthia Juarez
Administrative Secretary-Confidential – Rocio Quezada

8. Federal Legislation Equal pay Act of 1963
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII
Civil Rights Act of 1991
Age Discrimination Act of 1967
Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
Executive Order 11246
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1990

9. State Legislation Fair Employment and Housing Act
Ralph Civil Rights Act – Hate Crimes
Unruh Civil Rights Act – Business/Housing
California Family Rights Act (CFRA)

10. State Legislation
AB 1825 – Sexual Harassment Training and Education for Supervisors
AB 196 – Gender Discrimination
AB 76 – Harassment by Third Parties
AB 1856 – Employee Liability for Harassment

11. Equal Opportunity
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission- EEOC (Federal)
Department of Fair Employment and Housing-DFEH (State)
Monterey County Board of Supervisors-BOS (County)

12. Equal Opportunity
EEOC (Federal) – All employers throughout the nation with 15 or more employees
DFEH (State) – All employers in California with 5 or more employees
BOS (County) – Only the County as an employer and organization

13. Equal Opportunity BOS Enforcement is Limited to:
County Employment Practices
Employees/Applicants
County Business Practices
Vendors/Contractors
Recipients of County Services
Health Services/Child Support/Jail Inmates

14. Equal Opportunity Enforcement Does Not Include: Monterey County Courts
Monterey County School

15. Monterey Plan
The purpose of the Monterey Plan is to provide equal employment and promotional opportunities to all County employees and applicants for employment. The County of Monterey believes in treating all people with respect and dignity. We strive to foster a supportive working environment that celebrates the diverse world in which we live.

16. Monterey Plan The fundamental objectives of the Plan are as follows:
To employ and promote individuals on the basis of merit and to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical including HIV and AIDS), medical condition (genetic characteristics), veteran status, ancestry, or any other non-merit factor.
To prohibit discrimination against employees or applicants based on the above mentioned factors against employees or applicants who are 40 and over, or who are qualified individuals with disabilities and prohibit unlawful denial of family or medical care leave.

17. Meetings
The Commission meets the last Monday of every other month at 2:00 p.m. in the Monterey Room- 168 W. Alisal Street, 2nd Floor, Salinas, California (accessible to people with disabilities).
Please note: The time and location of the meeting should be verified by calling (831) in case of any last minute changes.
Meetings are open to the public and a public comment opens every meeting. Sign language interpretation is available.