HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2002 - 5c 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. 5
SUBJECT: National Disability Awareness Employment Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of County PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gwen Harvey, ext 2300
Proclamation
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To present for BOCC consideration and approval a proclamation designating
October as "National Disability Awareness Employment Month".
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Disability Awareness Council has requested that the
BOCC endorse a proclamation designating October as "National Disability Awareness
Employment Month." The municipalities of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro have been
requested to sign a joint proclamation. The theme behind this proclamation is to embrace
ability and employ and empower us all.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating October as "National Disability Awareness Employment Month" in Orange County
and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners.
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PROCLAMATI4ON
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH
WHEREAS, Congress,by Joint Resolution,has designated October of each year as"National
Disability Awareness Employment Month'; and
WHEREAS, This month provides the opportunity for all Americans to recognize the tremendous value
and potential of people with disabilities,and to recommit tremendous value and potential of people with
disabilities, and to recommit and dedicate ourselves to the empowerment,employment and full inclusion
of everyone of our citizens with disabilities;and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities represent one of the nation's largest pool of talented, skilled,
knowledgeable and hard working persons;they are diverse—encompassing the full spectrum of race,
religion,national origin,age and gender. Small business and industry leaders,labor leaders and
community leaders have called for a diverse,capable work force to propel our economy into the next
century; and
WHEREAS, It is important for the municipalities in Orange County and the County of Orange to
move purposefully toward diversity in the workplace and elsewhere in society not only because it is right
and just,but also because it is economically sound. We have learned that people with the severest
disabilities can learn,work,pay taxes,buy goods and be self-supporting if given the appropriate
opportunities, and by employing persons with disabilities in North Carolina,we can help reduce the
alarming 75 percent unemployment.rate in this segment of our population;and
WHEREAS, disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of
individuals with disabilities to live independently,enjoy self determination,make choices, contribute to
society,and experience fall inclusion in the economic,political, social,cultural,and educational
mainstream of American society;and
WHEREAS, family members,friends,and members of the community can play a central role in
enhancing the lives of people with disabilities especially when the family and community are provided
with necessary support services; and public and private employers are aware of the capabilities of people
with disabilities to be engaged in competitive work in inclusive settings;and
WHEREAS, the goals of the County include providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities
and support to make informed choices and decisions;live in homes and communities where such
individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens;pursue meaningful and productive
lives; contribute to their family,community,state and nation;have interdependent friendships and
relationships with others and achieve full inclusion in society;
NOW THEREFORE,do we,the Orange.County Board of Commissioners,hereby proclaim October,
2002 as NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH in the County of
Orange,North Carolina and call upon all citizens of Orange County to observe this period with
appropriate programs and activities; and furthermore encourage all citizens to seek counsel and input
from any person or group with knowledge and expertise in matters concerning disabilities.
This the 1st day of October 2002.
Barry Jacobs,Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners