Celebrating and recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and United States of America.

WHEREAS, President Harry S. Truman declared Proclamation 2664 on September 21, 1945, designating the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week”; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the observance, acknowledging the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, the United States Congress expanded the observance from one week to one month and changed the title to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month”; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia City Council and the Mayor's Commission of People with Disabilities wish to encourage employers in Philadelphia to welcome the talents of all people, including people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Encouraging inclusiveness in employment practices is a critical part of the City's efforts to build an inclusive community, vibrant culture, and competitive economy; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy is conducting an ongoing campaign to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities and encourage and support their life ambitions; and

WHEREAS, Equality of employment opportunity is a necessary condition for equality of the human spirit; now, therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, to celebrate the energy and spirit of people with disabilities and encourage employers in the City of Philadelphia to sustain an atmosphere of tolerance and openness in the workplace in regard to disabled workers; now, therefore, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with, among other events, the 17th Annual Access Achievement Awards Brunch to acknowledge and encourage the community of people with disabilities to strive for the best in life and educate employers about the vibrant workforce within the community of people with disabilities; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jennifer Logan, President of Vision for Equality, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End