WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. The resolution also celebrates the contributions of Americans with disabilities and highlights the need to prevent exclusion and discrimination on the basis of disability.
“Thirty-two years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act passed, helping protect millions of Americans from discrimination and exclusion,” said Klobuchar. “By designating July as Disability Pride Month, this bipartisan resolution honors the many contributions Americans with disabilities have made to our country and acknowledges the need to continue the fight to address the barriers that Americans with disabilities face.”
“I am pleased to introduce this resolution with Senator Klobuchar designating July as Disability Pride Month,” said Portman. “Tens of millions of Americans live with disabilities, often facing loneliness and discrimination due to their disability. It is important that we support and uplift those with disabilities because in spite of the challenges they face, they bring tremendous value to our country. I can think of no better way to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – signed into law by my mentor President George H. W. Bush – than by introducing this resolution.”
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transformed everyday life for millions of people across the United States 32 years ago,” said McCollum. “Though Disability Pride has long been celebrated each July within the disability community, is not yet recognized on the federal level. That’s why I am introducing a resolution with Congressman Calvert in the House, alongside Senators Klobuchar and Portman in the Senate, to mark this commemorative month and affirm that people with disabilities are valued and equal members of our communities and our society. Much more work remains to advance the rights of the disability community, stop stigma, and increase accessibility. Establishing Disability Pride Month will not only serve to raise awareness about this movement, but will also shine a light on the community’s many positive contributions to our nation’s rich diversity.”
“With more than an estimated 61 million Americans living with a disability, I am proud to work on a bipartisan basis to recognize July as Disability Pride Month,” said Calvert. “The landmark Americans With Disabilities Act put in place a number of safeguards to protect disabled people from discrimination. This resolution will provide an opportunity for increased participation, education, and awareness of challenges facing the disability community. I appreciate the work of Rep. Betty McCollum and Senators Klobuchar and Portman in helping to establish July as Disability Pride Month.”
The resolution is supported by Allina Health; the American Association on Health and Disability; the Amputee Coalition of America; the Autism Society of Minnesota; the Autistic Self Advocacy Network; the Brain Injury Association of America; the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute; Cure SMA; Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota; Family Voices; Family Voices of Minnesota; Gillette Children’s; Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities; Minnesota Council on Disability; Minnesota First Community Solutions; Multicultural Autism Action Network; National Disability Institute; National Disability Rights Network; National Down Syndrome Congress; ONE Community; RespectAbility; Special Olympics; The Arc Minnesota; and United Cerebral Palsy.
The full text of the resolution is available HERE and below:
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61,000,000 adults in the United States have disabilities;
Whereas the United States Census Bureau reports that more than 3,000,000 children in the United States have disabilities;
Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) was signed into law on July 26, 1990;
Whereas individuals with a disability remain at an increased risk of experiencing discrimination, isolation, and inequities;
Whereas individuals with disabilities are vital and make meaningful contributions to the arts, science, health care, technology, sports, education, law, and many more sectors; and
Whereas ‘‘Disability Pride Month’’ is celebrated in July by people across the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—
1) expresses support for the designation of July 2022 as ‘‘Disability Pride Month’’; and
(2) calls on the people of the United States, interest groups, and affected people to—
(a) observe ‘‘Disability Pride Month’’ with appropriate celebrations and activities; and
(b) take an active role in preventing the exclusion of, and discrimination against, individuals with disabilities.
Original source can be found here.
