HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-02-2015 - 4aORANGE COUNTY 1
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 2, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 4 -a
SUBJECT: Proclamation Supporting the Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA)
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights and
Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
PUBLIC HEARING: (Yes /No) No
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Audrey Spencer - Horsley, 245 -2490
James E. Davis, Jr., 245 -2487
Gerald Ponder, HRC Vice Chair
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation affirming the County's commitment to the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) in recognition of the 25th anniversary year of the ADA.
BACKGROUND: On July 26, 1990 President George H. W. Bush signed into law the
Americans with Disabilities Act ( "ADA ") saying these words: "Let the shameful wall of exclusion
finally come tumbling down." The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits
discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including
employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the
general public. Arguably one of the most important civil rights law to be enacted since the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, its purpose is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights
and opportunities as "able- bodied" persons.
According to a 2012 report released by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 56.7 million
Americans (or about 19% of the U.S. population) had some type of disability in 2010. By
comparison, it has been reported that about 20% of North Carolinians have activity limitations
due to physical, mental, or emotional health problems or limitations — with approximately 7.8%
reportedly requiring the use of special equipment such as a cane, wheelchair, special bed, or
special telephone. The United States Department of Justice urges state and local governments
to establish procedures for an ongoing assessment of their compliance with the ADA's
obligation to ensure all programs are readily accessible to and usable by people with
disabilities.
The Orange County Human Relations Commission will be hosting and sponsoring events that
will celebrate the differing talents and skills of persons with disabilities, and shed a light on the
legal and moral responsibilities of providing equal access and opportunities throughout the
County. Such events include the annual Human Relations Month Forum (January 2016) and
the Community Read (March 2016). Additionally, the HRC will encourage the County
Departments to assess whether their services and office spaces are accessible to persons with
a disability.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the
proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the proclamation and
authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Proclamation Supporting the Implementation of the
Americans with Disabilities Act
WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission seeks to prevent and
eliminate bias and discrimination, and to promote the equal treatment of all individuals,
including persons with physical, mental and developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, for generations, persons with disabilities were wrongfully denied the ability to
participate in our society, contribute to our economy, or support their families based on their
disability status and therefore were forced to live as second -class citizens being denied
those most basic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, persons with disabilities who were not content to accept the world as it was,
marched, organized and testified, coupling quiet acts of persistence and perseverance with
vocal acts of advocacy, demanded a nation that would declare equality for its citizens with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, advocates joined in the efforts to remove barriers that were depriving the
nation of the full talents, contributions and differing abilities of tens of millions of Americans
with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) which includes a clear and comprehensive mandate for the
elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and the civil and equal rights
of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by
removing and reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in
community life; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2015, this nation will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing
of the ADA, and we recognize that the full promise of the ADA will be reached only if we
remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement the ADA;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on this the 25th anniversary year of the ADA, that
the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, celebrates the
contributions that Americans with disabilities and those who are differently -abled have made
to our Nation and to our County, and commits this County and all Departments therein to
reach compliance with the ADA through the adherence to the spirit of the law, by the
removal or reduction of physical barriers preventing full participation in community life, and
by the empowering of persons with disabilities through the provision of equitable treatment,
inclusion and opportunities.
THIS THE 2nd DAY OF JUNE, 2015
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners