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Recognizing June 10-15, 2019 as Disability Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment, a condition experienced by approximately 56.7 million Americans - or 19 percent of the population - according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 29th Anniversary of passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services; and
WHEREAS, The ADA has raised awareness of the abilities of individuals with disabilities and has resulted in great progress, which can be seen in everyday life through curb cuts, communication access, accessible buildings and transportation; and
WHEREAS, This year’s Disability Pride Week begins on June 10 with a flag raising and pep rally on the north apron of City Hall and features daily happenings, including film screenings, art activities, and social events, before culminating with the Disability Pride Parade and Celebration on June 15; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride Parades are held annually to celebrate people with disabilities and to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Philadelphia, Disability Pride Parades have been held in a number of places across the United States, including Silicon Valley/Santa Clara County, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, New Jersey, and Columbus, as well as around the world in locations such as South Korea, Norway, and the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, On June 15th, Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Disability Pride March of Solidarity and Main Stage Event will begin at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies at the National Constitution Center, then parade down East Market Street to the City Hall Courtyard, where an afternoon-long celebration will ensue; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby proclaim June 10-15, 2019 as Disability Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Disability Pride Philadelphia Committee, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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