Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed five individuals to serve on the State Independent Living Council in Texas. Lisa Thompson, Juanita Webber, Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin, Bonnie Notargiacomo, and Melva Henderson have all been selected to contribute their expertise and experience to the council.

Lisa Thompson, who resides in Atlanta, has been appointed as the External Affairs Officer for the City of Texarkana. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. Thompson is actively involved in various organizations, such as the Opportunities, Inc. Board of Directors and the Industrial Asset Management Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Juanita Webber, based in Houston, currently serves as the ADA Compliance Program Manager at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). She has extensive experience in the field and is a member of several TxDOT workgroups, including the Civil Rights Division Engagement Workgroup and the Conference Governance Workgroup. Webber holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Consumer Science from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.

Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin, from Forney, brings 25 years of experience as an educator to the council. She is currently a teacher of students with visual impairments and a braillist for the Mesquite Independent School District. Bowdoin is a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators and the National Family Association of DeafBlind. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce and a Master of Education in Special Education specializing in visual impairment from Stephen F. Austin University.

Bonnie Notargiacomo, hailing from Willis, is an older individual blind program specialist at the Texas Workforce Commission. With more than 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the council. Notargiacomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Brownsville and a Master of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Texas Pan American.

Melva Henderson, based in Dallas, has over 10 years of professional experience working within the blind and visually impaired community. She is the founder and CEO of Living Beyond Limits nonprofit organization and Seeing Me for Me. Henderson is a vision life coach and a keynote speaker at universities and organizations, advocating for the blind and visually impaired community. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Social Work from Texas A&M University - Commerce, as well as a certificate in business management from George Mason University.

The State Independent Living Council is responsible for developing the State Plan for Independent Living and serves as a resource to state and local organizations on Independent Living and related issues for individuals with disabilities. These appointments will further strengthen the council's ability to address the needs and concerns of the disabled community in Texas.

Governor Abbott's appointments demonstrate his commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have a voice in decision-making processes. With the expertise and dedication of Lisa Thompson, Juanita Webber, Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin, Bonnie Notargiacomo, and Melva Henderson, the State Independent Living Council will be well-equipped to fulfill its mission.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-five-to-state-independent-living-council-