The way Nakea Fuller sees it, the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities exists to make the American ideal of equality a reality.

“We all have a right to the pursuit of happiness and liberty,” Nakea says, “and for persons with disabilities, accessing those rights has historically been a challenge. So, whatever work can be done to assist them with being included in the community is work that I want to be part of.”

Recently, Mayor Jim Kenney appointed Nakea to the Commission.

“We meet regularly to discuss topics of interest and concern for the persons with disabilities community,” Nakea explains, touching on the Commission’s mission, “and that ranges across all types of disabilities, whether they’re mobility related or entail sensory impairment. We have specific committees relating to housing, employment, youth, recreation, and transportation.”

Picture of Mayor Jim Kenney with Members of the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities
Mayor Jim Kenney with Nakea Fuller and other newly appointed members of the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities in April 2016.

Nakea has worked for over 15 years with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to ensure that public accommodations are accessible to those with special needs. Thanks to special training and her experience in the field, she’s knowledgeable about current legislation and best practices pertaining to those living with disabilities.

For instance, in June, the Commission met to discuss a new state law recently signed by Governor Tom Wolf allowing those receiving disability benefits to open savings accounts without jeopardizing their public benefits.

“The Commission talks about how to get this and other information out to the community, which agencies we can possibly work with,” Nakea adds. “Legislation can be difficult for everyday people to understand, so we figure out how we can partner with community organizations and other stakeholders to let people know about new or existing programs, initiatives, and laws.”

Nakea says that she’s proud to be on the Commission – and even prouder to be a Philadelphian.

“Philadelphia has a commitment to diversity, whether it’s through various social events that highlight specific ethnic groups, food festivals, the arts, entertainment, there’s just something for everyone here – and it’s all about inclusion.”

The Commission is an important part of our work to continue championing inclusion and to make things even better, even closer to that American ideal.

“There’s always room for improvement,” she insists, “and that’s what the Commission is all about – working with agencies and elected officials and anyone else that can further our agenda to make sure that persons with disabilities are included.”

To learn more about the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, contact executive director Charles Horton via email or at 215-686-4569.