Proclamation_Disabilities Awareness Month (October 2014)City of Dubuque ITEM# 3
ITEM TITLE:
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION:
Disabilities Awareness Month (October 2014)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
❑ Disabilities Awarenss Month Proclamation
Type
Supporting Documentation
Copyright 2014
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
P 0 CLAMATION
WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that
raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied
contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for 2014 is "Expect. Employ.
Empower;" and
WHEREAS, NDEAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in
October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word
"physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of
individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month
and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D -IA), authored the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to
ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities and was its chief sponsor in the Senate. On
July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed the ADA into law. The ADA has expanded
opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions and
increasing full participation in community life. 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, Upon its establishment in 2001, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability
Employment Policy assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach
and scope ever since. 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. Workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people
with disabilities, are a critical part of the efforts to build an inclusive community and strong
economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, ROY D. BUOL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, STAFF AND CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF
OCTOBER, 2014 AS
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, AND ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS TO CELEBRATE THE MANY
AND VARIED CONTRIBUTIONS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of
Dubuque to be affixed this 6th day of October,
2014.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk
2014: Submitted by R.R.S. Stewart on behalf of the Human Rights Commission and Proudly
Accessible Dubuque. Accepted by Gwen Kirchhof, Executive Director, Proudly Accessible Dubuque,
563-580-4208 www.ProudIyAccessibleDubuque.com