Title
Proclamation Declaring October 2018 as Disability Awareness Month and October 15, 2018 as White Cane Safety Day. (Public Works)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, the history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945 and was established to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workforce and to society, and to educate about the value of a diverse workforce. This year’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All;” and
Whereas, in 1964, a joint resolution of Congress, signed by the President, proclaimed October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day” and called upon the people of the United States to “observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities” within Disability Awareness Month; 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 and transportation, 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, including those who are blind, and to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of those differently-abled; 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 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 15, 2018, as White Cane Safety Day
and October 2018 as Disability Awareness Month
in the City of Alameda and encourage 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; recognize the white cane as an instrument of safety and self-help for blind pedestrians on our streets; call upon our schools, colleges, and universities to offer full opportunities for training to those who are differently-abled; and our employers and the public to open new opportunities in our rapidly changing society to utilize the skills of those who are differently-abled.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor