Mayoral Proclamation - Community Awareness of People with Disabilities Month - 10.01.2016

WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into federal law on July 26, 1990, and ensures the civil rights of people with disabilities; establishing a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 19% of the general population (40,000 people in the metro area) experience some type of disability including mobility, sight, hearing, developmental and others; and

WHEREAS, All people with disabilities have the right to meaningful gainful employment and October is recognized as national employment of people with disabilities month; and

WHEREAS, People with disabilities have limited access to transportation, healthcare, communication and social and recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, People with mobility disabilities have very limited accessible housing opportunities due to cost and design factors; and

WHEREAS, Including people with disabilities strengthens our community and their full participation in business and public life is vital to the way our cities grow and develop.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayors of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo, declare October 2016 to be Community Awareness of People with Disabilities Month in our cities, and encourage action to provide more equal employment, transportation, public venue accessibility and housing opportunities for people with all types of disabilities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hands and caused the Official Seals of the Cities of Dilworth and Moorhead, State of Minnesota and Cities of Fargo and West Fargo, State of North Dakota to be affixed this 30th day of September, 2016.