LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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 class-
mates; and
WHEREAS, The communities of New York State are strongest when every
resident is fully able to share his or her gifts and talents; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016, as Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; 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, Despite the many positive changes in societal attitude, work-
place 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, During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, New York-
ers are encouraged to recognize the abilities of all people, and to take
time to get to know some of the 300,000 New Yorkers with developmental
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial that individuals with developmental disabili-
ties have access to the resources which allow them to live secure,
fulfilling lives, including education, housing, employment, and recre-
ational activities; and
WHEREAS, Opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities to
live as independently and productively as possible must be fostered
throughout New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016, as Develop-
mental Disabilities Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month; 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.