Proclamation_Disabilities MonthMasterpiece on the Mississippi
PRO CILAMATION
WHEREAS, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, authored the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and was
its chief sponsor in the Senate. Senator Harkin delivered part of his introduction speech
in sign language so his deaf brother could understand; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation
established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of
discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing
barriers, changing perceptions and increasing full participation in community life.
However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain
committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque has remained committed to full compliance of the American's with
Disabilities Act since the City Council designated it a Top Priority in 2006; and
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act
of 2008 (ADAAA) into law. This was intended to give broader protections for disabled
workers and "turn back the clock" on court rulings that Congress deemed too restrictive,
and which now includes a list of "major life activities" through the ADA Amendments Act.
NOW THEREFORE, 1, ROY D. BUOL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF AND CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE DO HEREBY REAFFIRM OUR
COMMITMENT TO WORK TOWARD FULL ADA COMPLIANCE IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE AND
DO HEREBY RECOGNIZE THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF ADA DURING
DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
AND CALL UPON THE CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, TO OBSERVE THIS MONTH IN
RECOGNITION OF OUR CITY'S DIVERSITY.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Great Seal of the City
of Dubuque to be affixed this 1st day of July,
2013.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk
2013: Submitted by Vice -Chair R.R.S. Stewart of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission (DHRC)
2010: Submitted and accepted by Katrina Wilberding, Proudly Accessible Dubuque