Recognizing June 11-16, 2018 as Disability Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, A person with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment, a condition experienced by approximately 56.7 million Americans — or 19 percent of the population — according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics; and

WHEREAS, Conditions such as senility or neurocognitive impairment, blindness or low vision, deafness or hearing impairment, and movement impairment have historically elicited a mix of indifference, hostility, shame, and intolerance; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 28th anniversary of passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services; and

WHEREAS, The ADA has raised awareness of the abilities of individuals with disabilities and has resulted in great progress, which can be seen in everyday life through curb cuts, communication access, accessible buildings and transportation; and

WHEREAS, This year’s Disability Pride Week begins on June 11 with a flag raising and pep rally on the north apron of City Hall and features daily happenings, including a film screening, art activities, and social events, before culminating with the Disability Pride March of Solidarity and Main Stage Event on June 16; and

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Parades are held annually to celebrate people with disabilities and to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride; and

WHEREAS, In addition to Philadelphia, Disability Pride Parades have been held in a number of places across the United States, including Silicon Valley/Santa Clara County, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, New Jersey, and Columbus, as well as around the world in locations such as South Korea, Norway, and the United Kingdom; and

WHEREAS, On June 16th, Philadelphia’s 7th Annual Disability Pride March of Solidarity and Main Stage Event will begin at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies at the National Constitution Center, then parade down East Market Street to the City Hall Courtyard, and feature several performances from local artists including Vivian Green, Gooch and the Motion, Ray Deca and the EDGE Review, Sherlene Anderson, The Danie Ocean Band, Black Cat Habitat, and Johnny Crescendo; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby proclaim June 11-16, 2018 as Disability Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Disability Pride Philadelphia Committee, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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