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File #: 150027    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 1/22/2015 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action:
Title: Authorizing Council's Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs to hold public hearings regarding the state of educational opportunities and career development in Philadelphia for people with physical, psychiatric, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sponsors: Councilmember O'Brien, Council President Clarke, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Neilson, Councilmember Neilson, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Henon
Attachments: 1. Signature15002700.pdf
Title
Authorizing Council's Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs to hold public hearings regarding the state of educational opportunities and career development in Philadelphia for people with physical, psychiatric, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Body
WHEREAS, According to the 2010 Census, 56.7 million people, almost 20% of the United States population reported having a disability; and

WHEREAS, The 2012 American Community Survey estimated 28% of non-institutionalized individuals' ages 21 to 64 years with a disability were living below the poverty line; and

WHEREAS, Educational attainment, especially post-secondary education, is directly linked with workforce participation, however rates of educational attainment are significantly lower for those with disabilities when compared to their non-disabled peers; and

WHEREAS, The 2012 American Community Survey estimated that 22% of non-institutionalized individuals' ages 21 to 64 years with a disability obtained less than a high school education and 34% had a high school diploma or equivalent; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that only 32% of working-age people with disabilities were in the labor force in 2012, compared to 78% of the general population; and

WHEREAS, According to the BLS, half of those with a disability who are unemployed report significant barriers to employment, including: lack of education, training, transportation, and the need for accommodations and access; and

WHEREAS, Efforts to reduce environmental barriers to increase educational attainment among individuals with disabilities is evidenced by legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities through age 21; and

WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also includes protections to ensure ...

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