Title
Proclamation Declaring October 2016 as Disability Awareness Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, the history of National Disability Employment Awareness dates back to 1945 when one week was recognized; today we celebrate more than 70 years of disability inclusion, the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workforce and to society, and educate about the value of a diverse workforce; and this year’s theme is #InclusionWorks; and
Whereas, on July 26, 1990, President George W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities and to establish a national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
Whereas, disability is a natural part of the human experience and individuals with disabilities or who are “differently-abled,” have a right to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society, and participate in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society; and
Whereas, Disability Awareness Month affirms the progress the City of Alameda has made in improving employment opportunities, government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications, while also recognizing that there is still work to be done to remove all barriers, physical and social, that unreasonably prevent the full participation of Americans with disabilities; and
Whereas, in 1974, the City Council established the first committee to provide an enhanced public forum to address local disability issues; in 2004, amended the Alameda Municipal Code to establish the Commission on Disability Issues; and today the Commission on Disability Issues advises City Council, City Departments, and other Boards and Commissions on issues affecting people with disabilities and actions they can take to achieve an environment in which people with disabilities have equal access to programs, housing, facilities and services; and to foster attitudes and promote behaviors that respect and value people with disabilities throughout our community.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim October 2016 as
Disability Awareness Month
in the City of Alameda and call on all residents to join me in recognizing the lasting contributions that this community has made in the past, and continues to make, to strengthen the fabric of American society.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor