LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act

WHEREAS, It is the sense of the State of New York to recognize and pay
tribute to those landmark moments in our history that have taken a major
step forward in protecting persons with disabilities and improving
equality and access for all citizens in the State of New York and
throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
the 26th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will
be celebrated throughout the State and Nation on Tuesday, July 26, 2016;
one such event will be held at the Atrium in downtown Syracuse; and
WHEREAS, This year's celebration is "The ADA and Voting: Empowering
People with Disabilities in Our Democracy"; and
WHEREAS, On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of
people with disabilities throughout our Nation; and
WHEREAS, On September 25, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the
ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAA) into law, which broadened the defi-
nition of "disability" and extended the ADA's protections to a greater
number of people; and
WHEREAS, The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits
discrimination based on disability in employment, transportation, public
accommodation, communications, and governmental activities; the ADA
established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimi-
nation of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The ADA also requires that employers provide reasonable
accommodations in the workplace to employees with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 26 years, the ADA has expanded opportunities
for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing
perceptions, while also increasing full participation in community life;
and
WHEREAS, The 26th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
is a time to celebrate the aforementioned accomplishments and to recog-
nize the many outstanding organizations, and those who lead them, that
consistently go above and beyond to enhance the quality of life in our
communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
and the ongoing commitment toward a future of equal opportunity, full
participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for
persons with disabilities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to Sally W. Johnston with the Central New York, Americans with
Disabilities Celebration Organizing Committee.