ADA Resolution — File 24-0978

Resolution of the City Council celebrating the Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, recognizing July as Disability Pride Month and the the 26th of July as American with Disabilities Act Day, in the City of Somerville in perpetuity, and urging continued commitment to ensure accessibility and empowering the civil rights of people with disabilities. WHEREAS: Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) on July 26, 1990, Disability Pride has become a celebratory movement aimed at recognizing achievements for disability rights while pushing for disability equity across all sectors of life; and WHEREAS: Prior to 1990, people living with disabilities were subjected to employment and other disability-based discrimination with lack of equal protection under the law; and WHEREAS: The ADA is recognized as one of the most important civil rights laws in history establishing protections to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation, and all private places open to the general public; and WHEREAS: Disability Pride uplifts and celebrates the contributions of disability activists that fought for the passage of the ADA, and have valiantly advocated for protected pathways toward better working and living conditions for everyone; and WHEREAS: Disability Pride enables people with disabilities to redefine their identity, serves as a tool to tackle ableism, bias, discrimination, and reshapes negative perceptions of individuals with disabilities as people with value, talents, and significance; and WHEREAS: Many cities across the United States have celebrated Disability Pride Month since the early 2000’s; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is committed to celebrating and respecting all people with disabilities and building upon the efforts of breaking barriers in all areas of public life; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is a leader in celebrating diversity, supporting social justice and equity in the City, and fostering mutual respect and understanding for all; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby recognizes every 26th of July in the City of Somerville as ADA Day to honor and observe the valuable contributions the disability community brings to the growth, diversity, and economic prosperity of our City; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby recognizes this day as a time of celebration this year and every year thereafter in the City of Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby recognizes the month of July of every year in the City of Somerville as Disability Pride Month to honor and celebrate the contributions of disability activists that fought for the passage of the ADA and that valiantly advocated for protected pathways toward independent living, and better working and living conditions for everyone; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby recognizes this month as a time of celebration this year and every year thereafter in the City of Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.