SENATE RESOLUTION

                            8621

By Senators Kohl‑Welles, McDonald, Deccio, Thibaudeau, Johnson, Prentice, Rasmussen, Fraser, Swecker and Fairley

     WHEREAS, The Senate wishes to recognize the value of Community Rehabilitation Programs, and the contributions they make to our state; and

     WHEREAS, There are more than one hundred rehabilitation programs in the state of Washington that serve approximately 20,000 citizens with severe disabilities and other barriers to employment each year; and

     WHEREAS, These programs support universal access of all our citizens to appropriate and satisfying employment and related supporting services and opportunities, and support the individual=s right to self-determination and choice including the right to live and to work where and with whom one chooses; and

     WHEREAS, These programs provide an array of employment services and employment opportunities to Washington=s citizens having the most severe barriers to full community integration and competitive employment, including persons with developmental disabilities and WorkFirst participants; and

     WHEREAS, Rehabilitation programs address employment needs that no other segment of the service delivery system performs; and

     WHEREAS, They are the employers of choice for many, and they also are the employers of last resort for many others; and

     WHEREAS, In order to fully support individuals with developmental and other severe disabilities in our state, these programs must be recognized and valued for the unique and essential role they perform in the state=s service delivery system and employment network;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and celebrate the professionals and volunteers who operate and govern the Community Rehabilitation Programs serving our citizens with the severest barriers to employment. 

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8621,

adopted by the Senate April 6, 2001.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate