A Community Voice with Real Power

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) is a cornerstone of Bay Area Access’ governance model. Unlike traditional nonprofits—where community input is often symbolic—the CAC is a permanent, structured, and empowered body that ensures decision-making is governed by lived experience and expertise of blind, DeafBlind, and disabled people.

The CAC exists because true accountability requires shared power, transparency, and governance shaped by communities directly
impacted by accessibility failures

The CAC provides strategic, values-driven guidance to the Board of Directors and executive leadership. Its purpose is to:

• Elevate the perspectives and expertise of blind, DeafBlind, and disabled individuals
• Ensure that decisions reflect community priorities
• Promote accessibility, equity, and respect across all work
• Help shape policies and initiatives affecting the disability community
• Hold the organization accountable to its mission and values

The CAC is required by the bylaws and cannot be dissolved or sidelined. It is a permanent structure with a defined role in the organization’s power system.

Before any new Board member is elected, the CAC must review and recommend the candidate. This ensures that Board leadership remains connected to and trusted by the blind, DeafBlind, and disabled community.

When the CAC submits a formal recommendation, the Board must consider it and provide a written explanation within 30 days if the recommendation is not adopted.

If the Board declines three consecutive CAC recommendations, the CAC may require a joint meeting to address the issue.

A supermajority of the CAC must be disabled, and at least one member must always be DeafBlind. This ensures authentic representation while promoting equitable participation.

The CAC reflects the diversity, expertise, and lived experiences of blind, DeafBlind, and disabled individuals.

• A supermajority of members must be disabled
• At least one DeafBlind member must serve at all times
• Members may include disabled individuals, allies, experts, and community leaders

• Lived experience as blind, DeafBlind, or disabled
• Expertise in accessibility or assistive technology
• Disability rights or policy experience
• Community or nonprofit leadership
• Perspectives rooted in disability justice

• A majority of members must reside in California
• Preference for Bay Area residents
• Members outside California may serve if they bring needed expertise

The first CAC will be established within 12 months of the adoption of the bylaws, with a possible one-time extension of up to 12 additional months.

1. The CAC reviews public nominations and expressions of interest
2. The CAC selects and nominates members
3. The Board confirms appointments by majority vote

• Members serve two-year terms
• Up to three consecutive terms allowed
• After three terms, members must sit out for two years before returning

The CAC meets at least twice per year, with additional meetings as needed. Meetings may be held in accessible in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats.

At least two meetings annually are open to the public, allowing community members to surface accessibility failures and systemic issues, provide feedback, and engage directly with leadership.

The CAC keeps meeting minutes, shares them with the Board, and makes summaries available to the community when appropriate.

The CAC serves as a formal governance mechanism ensuring continuous community authority between the community and leadership, ensuring that Bay Area Access remains grounded in the needs, values, and experiences of blind, DeafBlind, and disabled individuals.

Bay Area Access will announce opportunities to express interest in CAC membership as the organization progresses through its founding phase. If you are interested in becoming a CAC member or would like to make a nomination, please use this page.