Office for People with Disabilities

The Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) is a Philadelphia city office working to ensure that the City is "inclusive to people of all abilities through advocacy and education."^[1] It was formalized after Philadelphia voters approved a Home Rule Charter amendment in November 2023, and it succeeded the earlier Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities structure, which continues within the office.^[2]

1 Creation and leadership

The 2023 ballot question was one of several charter changes put before voters. Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed Adrienne Moore as executive director effective May 13, 2024. Moore previously served as the office's director of ADA compliance from June 2020, and the city describes her as having more than 25 years of experience in accessible architectural design and ADA policy.^[2] The office sits within the Chief Administrative Officer's portfolio, intended to embed disability considerations in citywide administration.^[2] City staff listed on the website include an ADA coordinator and a constituent services administrator.^[1]

2 Functions

The office combines two main components. The Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities advocates for policy and systemic changes, provides resources and referrals, and educates the community about disability rights laws. The Office of ADA Compliance develops policies for equal access to city programs, trains city employees, oversees the transition plan and building accessibility, and handles grievances.^[1] The office also helps residents navigate employment, housing, education, healthcare, recreation and government services.

The City's page describes the office as working toward “employment opportunities,” “accessible and affordable housing,” and access to education, healthcare, recreation and government services for people with disabilities.^[1] The office is listed by the City among the entities supervised by the Chief Administrative Officer, alongside the Department of Records, the Office of Innovation and Technology and the Procurement Department. That placement matters because accessibility depends on how the City buys, builds and publishes: digital services, contracts for buildings and equipment, and public documents all pass through those offices. In its FY27 budget testimony the Chief Administrative Officer's cluster described funding for a Digital Equity Manager for the office. Residents can reach the office at (215) 686-2798 or ada.request@phila.gov, and visit it at the Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., first floor.

3 ADA compliance and grievances

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local governments to provide equal access to programs and services, and many city grievances concern buildings, sidewalks, transit or communications. Residents who believe a city program or facility is inaccessible can contact the office; other avenues include the Commission on Human Relations for discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, and federal agencies. Deadlines and remedies differ; this is general information, not legal advice. See also How to File a Complaint.

4 Connections

OPD interacts with the Streets Department on curb ramps and sidewalks, SEPTA (a state-created authority with its own ADA obligations), the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and service agencies such as the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and the intellectual disability division of DBHIDS.

See also: Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Immigrant Affairs, Mayor's Cabinet and Offices.

References

1. City of Philadelphia, Office for People with Disabilities, department page, phila.gov.
2. City of Philadelphia, "Mayor Cherelle L. Parker appoints leadership, announces the formalization of the Office for People with Disabilities," May 17, 2024 (phila.gov).
3. Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, 42 U.S.C. sections 12131-12165.