Disability topics focus of Prince George’s County Council candidates ‘meet and greet’

Veronica Davila Steele said Prince George’s County residents with disabilities are rarely seen, heard or acknowledged.

As chair of the county’s Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, she’s helping organize a “disability meet and greet” with County Council candidates with an eye toward bringing those residents and their concerns into the open. 

It’s the first time the county has hosted an event with candidates that is strictly focused on disability-related topics. 

“We are always in the shadows of everything. We should not be an afterthought,” said Davila Steele, who is hearing impaired. “Everything that comes across your desk should be looked at with a disability lens. It’s one thing to have access, but is it inclusive? We want to be included in everything that matters.”

As of Thursday evening, about 132 residents have registered to attend the event, as have 24 of the 38 candidates running for council seats. Currently all 11 council seats are held by Democrats, three of whom are running unopposed in the June 23 primary election. 

The “disability meet and greet” will be at 6 p.m. Monday at Prince George’s Community College’s Performing Arts Center in Largo. 

The last time the commission held a candidate forum — for county executive candidates in February 2025 — the participants were asked how they would improve services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families; if they had a plan to increase funding and support for mental health programs; and ways to improve accessible public transportation and paratransit services.

According to the Prince George’s County Health Department between 2020 to 2024, about 99,654 residents had a mental, physical, or emotional disability. The number of residents diagnosed with a disability could be higher as the U.S. Census has acknowledged certain people are undercounted including immigrants, those who are homeless and people with disabilities.

“I try to emphasize you can have a disability at any age,” Davila Steele said. “We are all affected if we don’t take care and look out for everyone.”

Those who want to attend the event, can register here.