2017 -- S 0694

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LC002363

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2017, AS "NATIONAL DISABILITIES

AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators P Fogarty, Ruggerio, Metts, Satchell, and Miller

     Date Introduced: March 30, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, The month of March, 2017, marks the 30th Anniversary of National

Disabilities Awareness Month (NDAM). National Disabilities Awareness Month is a special time

when we recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in their communities as well as

those programs and support systems that make such contributions not only possible, but also a

seamlessly integral part of society; and

     WHEREAS, Proclaimed by President Reagan in 1987, the occasion of National

Disabilities Awareness month's inception was a banner year not only for the nation, but also for

the State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Decades ago, the late United States Representative John Fogarty inspired

citizens to come together to change attitudes that would provide the impetus to support significant

legislative action in order to achieve his vision of improving the health and well-being of those

with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, Congressman Fogarty was fond of saying, "I have seen that clear, united

citizen action surrounding any problem impresses the councils of the capital city. In our

democratic way of life, there is no force greater than the concerted and collective voice of our

citizens"; and

     WHEREAS, Today, more than a quarter century after Congressman Fogarty uttered those

famous words, a new generation of support systems has come to fruition, providing opportunities

such as shared living arrangements, transitional school services, community-based day services,

and programs to provide career planning, job coaching, and supported employment for people

with developmental and intellectual disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, As the living embodiment of this vision, the Rhode Island Senate hosted the

John E. Fogarty Foundation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities forum focusing upon the

current issues facing people with developmental disabilities living in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The Fogarty Center's philosophy is that people with developmental

disabilities be active, productive members of the community and, as such, are entitled to the same

rights, privileges, responsibilities and choices as all citizens; and

     WHEREAS, Accordingly, the mission of the Fogarty Center is to offer exploration,

encouragement and positive guidance concerning individual interests, aptitude and talents, based

on personal preferences. Ultimately, Fogarty Center clients achieve self-determination and

personal growth; and

     WHEREAS, The many members of the developmentally disabled community in

attendance at the forum attests to the fact that through their determination and the assistance of

dedicated direct support professionals, Congressman Fogarty's vision can be achieved; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby wishes to recognize and celebrate "National Disabilities Awareness Month" in the State of

Rhode Island. In doing so, we recognize the remarkable achievements, efforts and advances made

by these men and women each and every day; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mary Fogarty McAndrew, Chairperson of the

Fogarty Foundation.

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