Honoring the advocacy of Bill Krebs in affirming the rights of all people with disabilities.

WHEREAS, Bill “Trouble” Krebs is a vocal self-advocate and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs is the Advocacy Coordinator at Keystone Human Services based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and leads a cross-disability support group and coordinates training on using accessible transit for Philadelphia-based Liberty Resources; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs resides in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The month of March has been celebrated nationwide since 1987 as National Developmental Disability Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, There is a long, under-acknowledged history of mistreatment, discrimination, and institutionalization of people with intellectual disabilities; and

WHEREAS, July 2020 was the thirtieth anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) that prohibits discrimination based on disability and protects the rights of Americans with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Even after the passage of the ADA, disability advocates like Bill Krebs have continued to fight for justice for all Americans with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Just 32 percent of working-age Americans with disabilities are employed; and

WHEREAS, Disabled Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs went from being placed in special education classes at a young age, to working in a workshop, to becoming a vocal advocate for himself and for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs is the proud recipient of the Brighter Futures Award, the Justin Dart Award, and the Mental Health Award; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs is the founder of the Young Adults Autism Club/Autism First support group that offers trainings and discussions on how to be independent in the community; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs was successfully awarded funding from Grants for Autism Advocacy and support from the Philadelphia Autism Project to strengthen the Young Adults Autism Club/Autism First support group; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs continues to fight for the diverse and unique needs faced by people with intellectual disabilities such as affordable housing, healthcare, jobs with good pay, the ability to stay safe and secure, independence, self-autonomy, and the opportunity to build fulfilling lives with families and friends; and

WHEREAS, Bill Krebs is a role model for all Philadelphians to keep making “trouble,” fighting for civil rights and advocating for those without a voice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Bill Krebs in fighting for and affirming the rights of all people with disabilities.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bill Krebs, Advocacy Coordinator of Keystone Human Services, as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End