SENATE RESOLUTION

8690

BySenators Randall, Takko, Stanford, Nguyen, Cleveland, Hunt, Wilson, C., Sheldon, Liias, and Short

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, their families, and allies 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 was the first monumental piece of civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, This was the accomplishment of self-advocates, their families, and allies of all races, ethnicities, creeds, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations; and

WHEREAS, The ADA provided an encompassing definition of disability, which contends that 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 advocates with disabilities and their families to address the barriers to equal opportunity and participation in society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate 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, but that it is only the beginning of our work.

I, Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8690,

adopted by the Senate

February 24, 2020

BRAD HENDRICKSON

Secretary of the Senate