SPONSOR:	Rep. Longhurst & Rep. Heffernan & Rep. Q. Johnson, on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. Poore, on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13

RECOGNIZING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN 2015 AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 25, 2015 AS "DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, nationwide approximately 57 million people have a disability; and

WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, on July 26, 2015, Delaware will celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the signing of the ADA; and

WHEREAS, on the 25th anniversary of the ADA, Delaware will celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principals of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance; and

WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; however, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if Delawareans remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement the ADA; and

WHEREAS, nearly 20,000 adults and children in Delaware have developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to community-based alternatives for individuals with disabilities and recognizes that such services advance the best interests of Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, Delaware seeks to ensure its community-based programs effectively foster independence and participation in the community for Delawareans with disabilities to the greatest extent possible; and

WHEREAS, Delaware seeks to ensure that all of its citizens, including those with disabilities, have the ability to live close to family and friends, live independently, engage in productive employment, and participate in community life; and

WHEREAS, Delaware citizens must be afforded equal access to employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and be free from retaliation, coercions or threats against those attempting to aid people with disabilities in asserting their rights under the ADA; and

WHEREAS, Delawareans with and without disabilities work together, play together, worship together, learn together, and grow together; and

WHEREAS, every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn and the potential to make important contributions to their local communities; and

WHEREAS, people with developmental disabilities in Delaware share with the State's other residents the right to live life as they choose in their education, jobs, recreation, and homes; and

WHEREAS, families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our respect and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life; and

WHEREAS, "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day" is an appropriate time to recognize Delaware's public policy accomplishments concerning persons with disabilities and to also identify the improvements to public policy that are needed to fully include all of Delaware's citizens with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, celebrating the abilities and contributions of people with developmental disabilities can only serve to enrich the communities of Delaware and enhance our diversity;

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the 148^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that March 25, 2015 is hereby recognized as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day" and that the Governor is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all State agencies and the people of the State of Delaware to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this resolution shall be delivered to the Governor of the State of Delaware.