Title
To proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, the effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week" In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities; and
WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month as we now know it was enacted in 1998 and expanded to include the entire month of October; and
WHEREAS, through the leadership of young professionals like TyKiah Wright, Executive Director of WrightChoice Inc, the leading non-profit intern recruitment and diversity inclusion organization providing social and economic empowerment for minority students as well as students with disabilities, our city continues to grow and prosper with the skills and talents of an inclusive workforce; and
WHEREAS, public, private and non-profit businesses and organizations join together this month to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities of employees and job candidates with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2008 is "America´s People, America´s Talent... America´s Strength!"; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Columbus City Council does hereby proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Columbus.