Explanation
Title
To recognize and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Body
WHEREAS, Public Law 176 was signed in 1945 to designate the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week"; and,
WHEREAS, in 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the week's name to recognize the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, Congress, in 1988, expanded the week to a month and changed its name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" (NDEA Month); and,
WHEREAS, October has become the kick-off month for year-round programs that highlight the abilities and contributions of Americans with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2003, the nation celebrated the thirteenth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was enacted to prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in education, employment, and government services, and at places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and in many other areas of society; and,
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act was largely a statutory restatement of the federal Section 504 regulations, modeled after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and was the first time persons with disabilities were recognized as a protected class by the United States government; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens of Columbus will celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month throughout the month of October; and,
WHEREAS, for the successes of the disability rights movement and the invaluable contributions to the communities of Columbus, all disability advocates are deserving of recognition and commendation.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBUS that this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October 2003.