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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 far 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 move <br />purposefully toward diversity in the workplace and elsewhere in society not only because it is right and <br />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 <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 <br />people 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 and <br />support to make informed choices and decisions; live in homes and communities where such individuals <br />can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; pursue meaningful and productive lives; <br />contribute to their family, community, state and nation; have interdependent friendships and relationships <br />with others and achieve full inclusion in society. <br />NOW THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim October, 2001 <br />as NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH in the County of Orange, North <br />Carolina and call upon all citizens of Orange County to observe this period with appropriate programs <br />and activities; and furthermore the Orange County Board of Commissioners encourage all citizens to <br />seek counsel and input from any person or group with knowledge and expertise in matters concerning <br />disabilities. <br />This, the 2"d day of October 2001 <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS <br />a. 2001 Solid Waste Program Award <br />The Board recognized the staff of the Solid Waste Management Department for receiving the <br />2001 Solid Waste Program Award from the N.C. Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North <br />America. Chair Halkiotis read the inscription on the plaque, which is included in the agenda abstract. <br />7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE <br />