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2 <br /> 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 <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,the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim October, 2001 <br /> as NATIONAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH in the County of Orange, <br /> North Carolina and call upon all citizens of Orange County to observe this period with appropriate <br /> programs and activities;and furthermore the Orange County Board of Commissioners encourage all <br /> citizens to seek counsel and input from any person or group with knowledge and expertise in matters <br /> concerning disabilities. <br /> This the 2M day of October, 2001. <br /> Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />