WHEREAS, According to the United States Census Bureau, about 56.7 million individuals – 19 percent of the population – have a disability, and within this group, more than half have severe disabilities; and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities are entitled to inclusion in our democratic society under federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as under numerous state and local laws; and
WHEREAS, The convergence of computing and communication technologies has substantially altered how people acquire, use and disseminate knowledge and information; and
WHEREAS, Access to comprehensible information and usable communication technologies is necessary for all people in our society, particularly for people with disabilities, to promote self-determination and to engage meaningfully in major aspects of life such as education, health promotion, employment, recreation, and civic participation; and
WHEREAS, A considerable number of individuals with disabilities have limited or no access to comprehensible information and usable communication technologies; and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities must have access to commercially available devices and software that incorporate principles of universal design such as flexibility and ease of use for all; and
WHEREAS, Technology and information access by individuals with disabilities must be guided by standards and best practices such as personalization, compatibility across devices and platforms, and the application of innovations including automated and predictive technologies; and
WHEREAS, Ensuring access to technology and information for people with disabilities in the United States will create new markets and employment opportunities, decrease dependency on public services, reduce health care costs, and improve the independence, productivity and quality of life of individuals with disabilities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby affirm the right of people with disabilities to technology and information access.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of The Arc of Philadelphia, evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End