Resolution 250284

..Title Recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and honoring the work done by advocates to reduce barriers to social and civic participation experienced by people living with developmental disabilities. ..Body WHEREAS, March is recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in order to increase awareness of developmental disabilities and to shine a light on the barriers people living with disabilities experience on a daily basis; and WHEREAS, Roughly 250,000 people in Philadelphia are living with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities, including many individuals with developmental disabilities. The City of Philadelphia is committed to being a fully accessible City, with events and celebrations that are easy for every person in Philadelphia to attend; and WHEREAS, SpArc Services supports neurodiverse people through fostering community, work, employment opportunities and outlets for creative expression for people living with disabilities. This year's SpArc Services exhibition centers on the vibrant multicultural heritage of Philadelphia and highlights how art reflects our City's ever-changing identity, as seen through the eyes of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, The artwork featured at the "Philadelphia Cultures and Connections" exhibition celebrates bridges between the community with disabilities and the broader Philadelphia community, embraces the arts' role in social change, and amplifies the voices of a frequently marginalized community. Platforming and empowering individuals with disabilities facilitates dialogue that highlights their talents and contributions while nurturing positive social change; and WHEREAS, Ensuring maximum accessibility requires constant attention to the lived experiences of people living with disabilities and proactive removal of barriers to participation. Developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and disorders are being identified more and with more accuracy in young people as researchers are better able to understand biomarkers and early life indicators; and WHEREAS, The City is committed to reducing barriers to civic engagement and social participation experienced by people living with developmental disabilities. An event is not fully public in a meaningful way if the full public cannot meaningfully participate; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and honors the work done by disability advocates to reduce barriers to social and civic participation experienced by people living with developmental disabilities. FURTHER RESOLVED, That two Engrossed copies of this Resolution be presented to SpArc Services as an expression of gratitude and admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. ..End