What is CODI?

Commission on Disability Issues (CODI)

Citizens and Government Working Together

The Commission on Disability Issues (CODI) enables citizens and their government to work together to make Miami-Dade County a place where people with disabilities can fulfill their greatest potential for independence and achievement.

CODI is an official advisory board to the Miami-Dade County Commission. County ordinance requires that all applicants be approved by CODI before being submitted for final selection by the County Commission. That is to ensure that all members of CODI have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of people with disabilities, that at least half of the members are people with disabilities, and that the membership represents a broad spectrum of people with disabilities, minorities and women.

CODI also requires that applicants attend at least two meetings before the membership committee considers them for appointment. Consistent attendance of members is essential. Each County Commissioner appoints one member as his or her representative on CODI for the length of that commissioner’s term.

The primary role of CODI is to advise the County Commission on County government issues that affect people with disabilities. The County Commission may refer items to CODI for advice. Alternatively, CODI may choose to forward opinions or recommendations to the Board on issues that it considers important or have members speak before the Board.

CODI also provides advice to the County Manager’s Office and to County departments. The County administration or County departments may request opinions from CODI. County staff may be invited to CODI meetings to make presentations, provide information, or discuss issues.

While CODI’s primary role is to advise Miami-Dade County, it can, and often does, make recommendations on municipal, state and federal issues.

Although official opinions of CODI must be approved by 51% of the membership, much of the detailed work takes place within the various committees. The Executive Committee is made up of the chairperson, two vice chairpersons and the secretary. The chairperson is elected bi-annually and the other officers annually. The Membership Committee has an appointed chairperson and elected members. Other committees have focused on issues concerning housing, accessibility, transportation, and employment.