WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes that individuals with disabilities are people whose rights must be protected - individuals who may experience barriers related to physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory differences that impact daily life, and who deserve full inclusion, dignity, and equality in all aspects of society; and
WHEREAS, According to the most recent United States Census Bureau data, approximately 56.7 million Americans - representing 19 percent of the national population, including 17 percent of Philadelphians - live with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 36th Anniversary of the passage of the ADA, landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and governmental activities; and
WHEREAS, The ADA set a critical foundation by establishing minimum standards for access, but it represents only the floor, not the ceiling, of what true equity and inclusion should look like; and
WHEREAS, More than thirty-five years after the ADA’s passage, people with disabilities continue to fight for the full realization of rights, access, opportunity, and representation in all aspects of life; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia must commit to leading by example - striving not only to meet the basic requirements of the ADA but to build a community that is fully inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all residents; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month, celebrated each July, provides an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and ongoing struggles of the disability community; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride celebrations around the world challenge misconceptions about disability, promote the understanding that disability is a natural part of human diversity, and encourage pride in disability identity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Hereby declares the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia, and affirms the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and opportunity for people with disabilities in our City and beyond.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Disability Pride Pennsylvania and Liberty Resources Inc. as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
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