CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

House Resolution No. 21

Introduced by Assembly Member Frazier

March 12, 2019

Relative to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


HR 21, as introduced, Frazier.
WHEREAS, March is recognized nationwide as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s awareness month looks to focus on the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness to the barriers that people with developmental disabilities still sometimes face in education, employment, and community living; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress enacted the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) in 2000, and a precursor in 1975, to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families can access quality services and supports that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life; and
WHEREAS, The California Legislature enacted the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act in 1973, and amended it in 1977; and
WHEREAS, As of January 1, 2019, the population of California was 39,810,000. An estimated 628,998 Californians are living with a developmental disability, and 328,466 of them are served by regional centers; and
WHEREAS, Continued information and acceptance are effective and informative methods to help address the societal barriers faced by people with developmental disabilities in being fully included in all aspects of community life; and
WHEREAS, The general public is increasingly aware and accepting that disabilities should not prevent individuals from being fully included at school, work, or home, as members of their families and communities; and
WHEREAS, By observing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, California recognizes leaders who have sought to bring people with developmental disabilities into the conversation, including the statewide programs funded under the DD Act, such as the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Disability Rights California, and other advocates and service providers, such as The Arc, the California Disability Services Association, Futures Explored, Disability Voices United, the California Disability Communication Action Network, and the Association of Regional Center Agencies; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes the month of March 2019 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, commends the efforts of the individuals and organizations that have worked diligently to increase the awareness and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities, and celebrates and supports the diversity of the human condition, particularly individuals who experience developmental disabilities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.