LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 29, 2012, as Disability Empowerment Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, All individuals, including those with disabilities, should be
guaranteed the right to be productive members of our communities and
influence control and choice over their own lives; and
WHEREAS, On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was
signed into law and ended discrimination against and provided equal
opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, education,
government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and
transportation; and
WHEREAS, We must continue to strive to overcome societal differences
and promote competence, strength and individual worth; and
WHEREAS, The theme "We to Me" represents how people with disabilities
contribute to and help create ways to address unique challenges; and
WHEREAS, Self advocates raise awareness, each and every day, of the
value of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Disability is natural, beautiful and represents a part of
human diversity; and
WHEREAS, All citizens shall come together to honor New Yorkers with
disabilities by educating themselves on ways to support and encourage
the understanding of individuals with disabilities in our schools, with-
in our workforce and in all communities; and
WHEREAS, Disability Empowerment Day is a day for all people with disa-
bilities to come together and empower one another to speak for the
rights of all people with disabilities and celebrate our abilities; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 29, 2012, as Disa-
bility Empowerment Day in the State of New York, recognizing that all
people, including those living with disabilities, have the right,
responsibility and ability to be active, contributing members of our
society and fully engaged as citizens; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.