On Thursday, July 20th, 2023, the Americans with Disabilities Act Proclamation was presented to the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) Board of Directors. Read by the Disability Services Advisory Council Chair, Jan Molnar-Fitzgerald, the below Proclamation was voted on and approved by the OCWCOG Board of Directors, then signed by OCWCOG Board Chair Claire Hall and OCWCOG Executive Director Ryan Vogt.
A Proclamation
Whereas, thirty three years ago, on July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), establishing our nation’s comprehensive mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
Whereas, the ADA is a civil rights law, impacting many facets of daily living, including employment, housing, public facilities and services, education, new construction and modifications, and telecommunications; and
Whereas, the ADA has expanded opportunities by reducing physical and other barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; and
Whereas, Citizens of the Oregon Cascades West region and the nation will recognize that progress has been made by celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the ADA on July 26, 1990; and
Whereas, while we celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA and the achievements which have been accomplished, we also recognize that the full promise of the ADA can only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to achieve full implementation of the goals of the ADA including the provisions of accessible facilities and services;
Now therefore, Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments does hereby proclaim July 26, 2023, to be recognized as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day, celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA, and reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Dated this 20th day of July, 2023.