ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this body shall be the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) of the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute, a University Center for Excellence.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The mission of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is: to support HDI in advancing its mission by advising on matters related to systems change, assisting with evaluation of HDI effectiveness, reviewing and assisting in the development of HDI proposals, and sharing information about the HDI with others. The CAC officers are individuals with disabilities and/or family members. The CAC is committed to developing the leadership capacity of individuals with disabilities and families.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF OFFICE
Section 1: Composition
A. The CAC shall be composed of members representing the following:
- Individuals with Developmental and Other Disabilities
- Family Members of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
- Kentucky Protection and Advocacy
- HDI trainee
- Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Kentucky Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
- Local and/or private non-profit agencies concerned with services for persons with disabilities
- Parent support, training, and information programs
- Kentucky Department of Education
- Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (Executive Director or designee)
B. CAC membership shall reflect geographic and cultural diversity within the state of Kentucky.
C. The majority (at least 51%) of CAC membership shall be persons with disabilities.
Section 2: Selection
A. New members filling vacancies due to expiration of appointment or resignation, shall be selected by the majority of voting members of the CAC at the next scheduled meeting after which the expiration of appointment or resignation occurs, or as soon thereafter as feasible.
Section 3: Terms
A. Terms for members are to be staggered over three years following initial appointments of one, two, and three years, excluding agency heads and the HDI Executive Director (or designee), which are permanent positions.
B. Each member may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms of no more than 6 years.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
The CAC will have two co-chairs, one individual with a disability and one family member. Terms for these officers are three years, with elections to be held at the last meeting of every other year. The first year of an officer’s term is co-chair elect. The second two years is that of co-chair. Thus, the CAC will have co-chair elects only every other year.
The co-chairs will preside at all meetings of the CAC. The co-chairs will work with the HDI staff liaison to plan the agendas for each CAC meeting. The co-chairs will serve as spokespersons for the CAC, representing recommendations approved by the CAC for consideration by HDI.
The two co-chairs and the HDI Executive Director (or designee) will serve as the CAC Executive Council.
ARTICLE V. STAFF
Responsibilities of the HDI staff liaison to the CAC include:
- Consulting with the CAC Chair or designee regarding meeting agenda items
- Taking notes and dispersing minutes
- Providing requested project information
- Sharing information about upcoming HDI activities/events
- Sending notices and materials required by the CAC
- Maintaining communication with the CAC membership
The staff liaison is appointed by the HDI Executive Director. Other staff members of the HDI will be available to attend meetings of the CAC, upon invitation by the CAC co-chairs or the CAC staff liaison.
ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS, VOTING AND QUORUM
Section 1: Meetings
A. Quarterly meetings for the entire calendar year will be scheduled during the final meeting of the current year. Special meetings may be called at the request of the HDI Executive Director or co-chair.
B. Meetings are conducted using a hybrid option, to enable participation in person or remotely, via accessible videoconference platforms.
Section 2: Voting
A. Voting members include all selected members according to Article III, Section 1 A.
B. Members must be present or assign a designated proxy to vote. This must be communicated to one of the two co-chairs or the staff liaison prior to the meeting. Other substitutes may attend to obtain information but are not considered a member and may not vote.
Section 3: Quorum
A. A quorum for all meetings shall consist of a majority of the CAC voting membership.
ARTICLE VII. SERVICE
Membership and service on the CAC are voluntary. However, upon agreeing to serve, regular attendance and participation at the CAC meetings is required. Following absence at two consecutive meetings, the member will be contacted regarding continued interest in serving. If the member chooses to remain active, continued absences may result in a request by the CAC co-chairs that the member resign.
Members of the CAC, excluding agency heads and the HDI Executive Director and or his or her designee, shall be reimbursed for approved travel expenses.
HDI CAC members who are not representatives of state agencies, and who are not employed or who must forfeit wages from other employment to attend Council meetings, may elect to be compensated for participation in Council meetings. Compensation shall be at the rate of at least $100 per meeting.
ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES
Section 1: Executive Council
The Executive Council will confer and make any decisions related to CAC business between CAC meetings, and will consult the members as the situation dictates.
Section 2: Nominating Committee
There shall be established a Nominating Committee. This committee shall consist of a individual with a disability, a family member, and an agency representative. The role of the Nominating Committee shall be to nominate prospective CAC members, determine their willingness to serve, and collect information from each nominee to present to the whole CAC.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAW
Amendments to these by-laws may be requested by any member of the CAC.
Amendments shall become effective upon approval by a majority of the voting members present at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the CAC.
Amended September 8, 2025