HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4657

HR 4657

ByRepresentative Kilduff

WHEREAS, National protections were written into law thirty years ago, while the origin of advocacy for persons with disabilities began as early as 1936 when a grass roots organization of parents from all over Washington state formed; and

WHEREAS, Nearly a quarter of Washingtonians live with some type of disability and rely on such protections every day; and

WHEREAS, Advocates with disabilities and families taught the nation that disability is a part of human existence and developed the rallying cry "nothing about us without us"; and

WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the first monumental piece of civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The ADA was the accomplishment of disabled advocates, families, and allies of all races, ethnicities, creeds, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations; and

WHEREAS, The ADA provided an encompassing definition of disability that contends disability is not a barrier to an individual's participation in society; and

WHEREAS, Washington state is still working to ensure that all persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to participate fully in our society; and

WHEREAS, The ADA has been an instrumental tool for advocates with disabilities and families to address such barriers; and

WHEREAS, We remain committed to working alongside self-advocates and their families to address the barriers to equal opportunity and participation in society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was the result of persistent efforts of self-advocates, their families, and allies from the disability community.