Senate Resolution No. 1824

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2026, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of conditions
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to
impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas that
begin during the developmental period and may impact daily functioning
throughout an individual's lifetime; and

WHEREAS, According to national data, approximately one in six
children in the United States has a developmental disability; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Office for People with Developmental
Disabilities serves approximately 130,000 individuals with developmental
disabilities; overall, over three million adult New Yorkers, roughly one
in five, report a disability; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with developmental disabilities live, work, and
volunteer in every neighborhood of this great Empire State; they are
family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, teammates, and
classmates; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed the month
of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and called upon
Americans everywhere to provide the encouragement and opportunities
necessary so that people with developmental disabilities can reach their
highest potential; and

WHEREAS, During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, New
Yorkers are encouraged to recognize and celebrate individuals with
developmental disabilities who are part of the communities where we
live, work, play, and volunteer; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month seeks to raise
awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities
in employment, education, housing, civic engagement, and community life
while recognizing the ongoing barriers to equality; and

WHEREAS, Despite the many positive changes in societal attitude,
workplace and educational culture, health care, available resources, and
knowledge concerning people with developmental disabilities, much
remains to be done to address the prevalence of negative stereotypes,
lingering misinformation, and subsequent discrimination and barriers
some of these vulnerable citizens face; and


WHEREAS, It is crucial that individuals with developmental
disabilities have access to the resources which allow them to live
secure and fulfilling lives, including education, housing, employment,
and recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with developmental disabilities are an
essential part of our greater New York community, and they deserve
respect, recognition, and support both during and outside of
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.