DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 204

DESIGNATING JULY 26, 2024, AS “AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) was passed 33 years ago on July 26, 1990, and fundamentally changed the way society perceives and accommodates individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the law is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as all Americans without facing discrimination based on their disability; and

WHEREAS, the law requires employers and government agencies to provide reasonable accommodations and accessible services to those who have disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the act prohibits places of public accommodation from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and sets building, facility, transportation, and communication system accessibility standards including ramps, elevators, accessible parking spaces, Braille signage, and captioning on videos; and

WHEREAS, by promoting accessibility and prohibiting discrimination, the ADA fosters a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, the ADA has helped to raise awareness about the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more positive and inclusive attitude towards disabilities, while setting a legal precedent for other countries to follow; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) estimates that approximately 26 percent of Americans, 61 million adults, have disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the CDC states that up to 24 percent of Delaware residents have a disability and that disability care accounts for 34 percent of healthcare spending in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act provides an opportunity for reflection on the progress made in advancing disability rights and inclusion, as well as a reminder of the work that remains to be done; and

WHEREAS, the ADA has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities, empowering them to live more independently, participate fully in society, and pursue their goals and aspirations without facing discrimination or barriers.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly affirms the importance of the recognition of people with disabilities and their many achievements, and hereby designates July 26, 2024, as “Americans with Disabilities Act Day” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed about the need for equitable treatment of those with disabilities and reaffirms the commitment to promoting disability rights and inclusion.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution designates July 26, 2024, as “Americans with Disabilities Act Day” in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Poore