Chicago’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is a department within our local government to ensure that Chicago is accessible as it can possibly be.
It is currently led by Commissioner Rachel Arfa, who was appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in July of 2020, making her the highest-ranking deaf person to serve in a city government leadership role anywhere! Check out our interview with Commissioner Arfa here.
The MOPD features a number of featured services and programs specifically catered to the disability community- the latest of which is a Career Center focused on preparing individuals with disabilities for successful and meaningful career opportunities. Their main programs and services include:
- Accessibility Compliance Unit
- Career Center
- Disability Resources
- Emergency Preparedness
- HomeMod Program (Check out our interview with Program Director Mark Nobriga here!)
- Public Policy and Public Affairs
- Substance Use Prevention Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Transportation and Parking
- Training Services
The MOPD website also provides up-to-date news on their programs, contact information, and a direct look at their department facts.
Additionally, the MOPD has a field office in Chicago located at the Central West Community Center:
2102 W. Ogden Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
The Central West Community Center is adorned with a brand new mural celebrating intersectionality in the disability community by multidisciplinary artist Sam Kirk! Check out our coverage on the making of the mural here.
For more information, you can visit the MOPD’s website here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mopd.html
You can also reach the MOPD by emailing MOPDInfo@cityofchicago.org or by calling 312-746-5773.
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