CAC Bylaws
BYLAWS for the Center for Persons with Disabilities CONSUMER ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC)
ARTICLE I: Name
The name of this organization is the Center for Persons with Disabilities’ CONSUMER ADVISORY Council (CAC). Its headquarters shall be housed at the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD), Utah State University, in Logan, Utah.
ARTICLE II: CAC Mission Statement
Section I: Goals
a) The CAC will develop strong partnerships within the university environment.
b) The CAC will develop strong partnerships within the community statewide.
c) The CAC will develop strong partnerships with advocacy groups at the local, state, and national level.
Section II: The Consumer Advisory Council shall
a) Consult with the Director of the Center for Persons with Disabilities about
b) Review and comment on annual progress toward achieving the goals of the plan;
c) Suggest revisions to improve the plan; and
d) Conduct other business as desired in pursuit of the core functions of the Center to promote independence and self determination with and for individuals with developmental disabilities.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section I: Representation on the Consumer Advisory Council
a) A majority of the members shall be individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of such individuals;
b) Membership shall include:
i. a representative of the State protection and advocacy system (Disability Law Center);
ii. a representative of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (Utah Developmental Disabilities Council);
iii. a representative of a self-advocacy organization described in section 124(c)(4)(A)(ii)(I);
c) Membership may include representatives of organizations such as:
i. parent training and information centers assisted under section 682 or 683 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1482, 1483);
ii. organizations carrying out activities authorized under section 101 or 102 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3011, 3012);
iii. relevant state agencies; and
iv. other community groups concerned with the welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the State.
d) Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of such individuals will serve one three-year term with the option of one additional three-year term.
e) Agency representatives will serve one, two year term.
f) Membership shall reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the State.
g) Members may resign by giving 10 days notice in writing to the CAC chair or the CPD Consumer Liaison.
Section II. CPD Staff Support to the CAC
The CPD Consumer Liaison shall act as staff to the Consumer Advisory Council. The CPD Director will assign support staff to the Consumer Advisory Council as appropriate. CPD staff assigned to the CAC shall serve in an ex-officio capacity.
ARTICLE IV: Duties and Authority of Officers
Section I: Officers
a) Chair
b) Vice-Chair
c) Secretary
Section II: Duties and Authority of Officers
a) The Chair shall conduct the meetings and oversee the meetings and activities.
b) The Vice-Chair shall support the Chair and complete the Chair’s duties in his/her absence.
c) The Secretary shall support the Chair and Vice Chair and complete their duties in their absence.
Section III: Elections of Officers
a) Nominations of officers may be made by phone or in writing to the Consumer Liaison of the CPD prior to the election meeting and/or made from the floor by members present.
b) Nominees must either be a self advocate or a family member of an individual with a disability.
c) Nominees must give prior approval of their nomination.
d) Election of the Chair shall be held during the Spring meeting of odd years.
e) Election of the Vice-Chair shall be held during the Spring meeting of even years.
f) Election of the Secretary shall be held during the Spring meeting of odd years.
Section IV: Term of Office
a) New officers shall assume their duties upon election and will hold office for a two-year term.
b) In the event of a vacancy, an election will be called at the next CAC meeting.
ARTICLE V: Committees
Section I: Standing Committees
Standing Committees of the CAC are:
a) Bylaws
The Bylaws Committee will review the bylaws on an annual basis or as needed and make recommendations for changes to the full CAC.
b) Membership
The Membership Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Chair and Vice Chair who will bring those recommendations before the full CAC for a vote. Appointment to the CAC will be made through the Dean’s Office.
c) Program
The Program Committee will work with the Director of the CPD to review the strategic planning process and provide feedback pertaining to the five year plan and progress toward accomplishing the goals and objectives outlined in that plan. They will communicate their findings and recommendations to the full CAC.
d) Social
The Social Committee will be aware of events and happenings that should be recognized by sending a card or other recognition from the CAC.
e) Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee will collaboratively identify appropriate, creative ideas for fundraising activities. The full CAC will make decisions about the use of these funds. All fundraising activities must follow the guidelines established by Utah State University and will be deposited into a fund on campus.
Section II: Ad hoc Committees
Ad hoc Committees will be formed to carry out activities as assigned by CAC.
ARTICLE VI: Meetings
Section I: Meetings
a) Two meetings shall be scheduled annually, one in Fall and another in Spring.
b) Working committees may meet as necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the CAC throughout the year.
Section II: Quorum
A quorum will consist of a majority of voting members present.
Section III: Voting
Proxies will be allowed by notifying the chair prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE VII: Amendments
a) Bylaw revisions must be discussed and voted on by CAC members.
b) Proposed changes must be furnished in writing at least three weeks prior to voting via surface or email.
c) A majority of members must approve changes.
1- The Consumer Advisory Council shall address the mandated requirements as stated in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Public Law 106-402".
2- Definition of developmental disabilities (as defined by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Public Law 106-402).
The term "Developmental Disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
1. Is attributable to mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
2. Is manifested before the individual attains the age of 22;
3. Is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. Results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency; and;
5. Reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized support, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
6. When applied to infants and children, developmental disabilities means an individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, and may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria above if the individuals, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
