HR0187 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0187 LRB101 11590 ALS 57588 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In the United States, one in six children aged three through 17, approximately 15 percent, have a developmental disability; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with developmental disabilities are our family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and important contributors to the diversity of our communities and the State; and

WHEREAS, When individuals with developmental disabilities are included and active in their communities, they live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, People with developmental disabilities in Illinois want to achieve personal success through education, meaningful work, and family and community ties, and we recognize that every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, an infinite capacity to learn, and the potential to make important contributions to their local community; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, President Reagan made a public proclamation that the month of March should be recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to "increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities"; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness to the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting with the communities in which they live; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to recognize the contributions of Illinoisans with developmental disabilities and the State's efforts to identify and remove barriers so all citizens of Illinois are included; and

WHEREAS, Removing these barriers for individuals with developmental disabilities benefits the entire State and is a part of our commitment to providing equal opportunity and rights for all Illinoisans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 2019 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to promote awareness and understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and needs of people with developmental disabilities.