HR 89

WHEREAS, March is recognized nationwide as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this years theme, See Me for Me!, seeks to commemorate the progress toward improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities, while also highlighting the challenges that remain in achieving a society that fully includes people with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In order to ensure full, equal, and inclusive opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities, Congress enacted the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, after which the Legislature enacted the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, As of May 1, 2017, the population of California was 39,524,000. Applying the national prevalence estimate of 1.58 percent, today an estimated 624,479 Californians are living with a developmental disability; and

WHEREAS, Continued public awareness and understanding are effective and informative ways to help address the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities in being fully included in society; and

WHEREAS, The general public is increasingly aware that these disabilities need not prevent individuals from being fully included in school, in the workplace, and at home, as members of their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, By observing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, California recognizes advocates and leaders who have sought to bring people with disabilities into the conversation, including the Arc of California, Disability Rights California, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes March 2018 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, commends the efforts of the individuals and organizations that have worked diligently to increase the awareness of developmental disabilities, and celebrates and supports the diversity and capabilities of all our citizens, and particularly those who experience developmental disabilities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.