Resolution 240640

..Title Declaring the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Approximately 56.7 million Americans - or 19 percent of the population, and 17 percent of people in Philadelphia - experience this condition, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics; and WHEREAS, This year marks the 34th Anniversary of passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services; and WHEREAS, The ADA has identified the floor of what access should look like, but just the bare minimum. The impact of the ADA can be seen in everyday life through curb cuts, communication access, accessible buildings and transportation; and WHEREAS, Disability Pride is a movement. More than just a means of self-advocacy and a push for acceptance, Disability Pride is above all a celebration of inclusion and disabled people. The mission is to celebrate the pride that the disability community feels. It's a place to come together to celebrate the disability experience. Disability Pride celebrations are planned with access as the first component - community events aimed at bringing disabled and non-disabled people together. The movement has created a growing momentum that is being recognized, promoted, and sought out by other organizations to understand disability inclusion; and WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Disability Pride Parades are held annually around the world to celebrate people with disabilities and to change the way people think about and define disability, to end ableism, and to promote the understanding that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Declares the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That two engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Disability Pride Pennsylvania and Liberty Resources Inc. as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End