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PROCLAMATION <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH <br />WHEREAS, Congress, by Joint Resolution, has designated October of each year as "National <br />Disability Awareness Employment Month"; and <br />WHEREAS, This month provides the opportunity for all Americans to recognize the tremendous value <br />and potential of people with disabilities, and to recommit tremendous value and potential of people with <br />disabilities, and to recommit and dedicate ourselves to the empowerment, employment and full inclusion <br />of everyone of our citizens with disabilities; and <br />WHEREAS, People with disabilities represent one of the nation's largest pool of talented, skilled, <br />knowledgeable and hard working persons; they are diverse -encompassing the full spectrum of race, <br />religion, national origin, age and gender. Small business and industry leaders, labor leaders and <br />community leaders have called for a diverse, capable work force to propel our economy into the next <br />century; and <br />WHEREAS, It is important for the municipalities in Orange County and the County of Orange to <br />move purposefully toward diversity in the workplace and elsewhere in society not only because it is right <br />and just, but also because it is economically sound. We have learned that people with the severest <br />disabilities can learn, work, pay taxes, buy goods and be self-supporting if given the appropriate <br />opportunities, and by employing persons with disabilities in North Carolina, we can help reduce the <br />alarming 75 percent unemployment rate in this segment of our population; and <br />WHEREAS, disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of <br />individuals with disabilities to live independently, enjoy self determination, make choices, contribute to <br />society, and experience full inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational <br />mainstream of American society; and <br />WHEREAS, family members, friends, and members of the community can play a central role in <br />enhancing the lives of people with disabilities especially when the family and community are provided <br />with necessary support services; and public and private employers are aware of the capabilities of people <br />with disabilities to be engaged in competitive work in inclusive settings; and <br />WHEREAS, the goals of the County include providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities <br />and support to make informed choices and decisions; live in homes and communities where such <br />individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; pursue meaningful and productive <br />lives; contribute to their family, community, state and nation; have interdependent friendships and <br />relationships with others and achieve full inclusion in society; <br />NOW THEREFORE, do we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim October, <br />2003 as NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH in the County of <br />Orange, North Carolina and call upon all citizens of Orange County to observe this period with <br />appropriate programs and activities; and furthermore encourage all citizens to seek counsel and input <br />from any person or group with knowledge and expertise in matters concerning disabilities. <br />This the 1st day of October 2003. ~~~~ ~~ <br />Margaret Brown, Chair <br />Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />