HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation Supporting the Implementation of Americans with Disabilities Act ,PRF 10 a-OIW
40.
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