Amending Resolution No. 040001, which was adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the fifth of January, 2004, to authorize a standing committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped.

The Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped shall undertake to examine all issues regarding the disabled population of Philadelphia; and to propose recommendations and/or laws where appropriate to elevate this population to accessibility in their daily activities with the able-bodied population of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The disabled population of Philadelphia between the age of 21 and 64 years is estimated to be twenty-seven percent; and

WHEREAS, Accurate data about the number of persons who are disabled is not available; and

WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act is to remove many obstacles to the disabled having the ability to participate in all activities and exercise the rights able-bodied persons in their daily activities; and

WHEREAS, Accessibility of the disabled to the many Municipal services is of critical concern to this Body; and

WHEREAS, The disabled community should have the same opportunities as people without disabilities;

WHEREAS, The breakdown of barriers to an entire population of Philadelphians is urgent to this Body; and

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Resolution No. 040001, concerning the Rules for the governance of the City Council of Philadelphia, be amended to read as follows:

Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped

The Committee shall undertake to examine all issues regarding the disabled population of Philadelphia; and to propose recommendations and/or laws where appropriate to elevate this population to accessibility in their daily activities with the able-bodied population of Philadelphia.

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