Agenda - 06-02-2015 - 4a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY 1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 2, 2015 Action Agenda Item No. 4 -a SUBJECT: Proclamation Supporting the Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights and Community Development ATTACHMENT(S): Proclamation PUBLIC HEARING: (Yes /No) No INFORMATION CONTACT: Audrey Spencer - Horsley, 245 -2490 James E. Davis, Jr., 245 -2487 Gerald Ponder, HRC Vice Chair PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation affirming the County's commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in recognition of the 25th anniversary year of the ADA. BACKGROUND: On July 26, 1990 President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act ( "ADA ") saying these words: "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down." The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Arguably one of the most important civil rights law to be enacted since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, its purpose is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as "able- bodied" persons. According to a 2012 report released by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 56.7 million Americans (or about 19% of the U.S. population) had some type of disability in 2010. By comparison, it has been reported that about 20% of North Carolinians have activity limitations due to physical, mental, or emotional health problems or limitations — with approximately 7.8% reportedly requiring the use of special equipment such as a cane, wheelchair, special bed, or special telephone. The United States Department of Justice urges state and local governments to establish procedures for an ongoing assessment of their compliance with the ADA's obligation to ensure all programs are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The Orange County Human Relations Commission will be hosting and sponsoring events that will celebrate the differing talents and skills of persons with disabilities, and shed a light on the legal and moral responsibilities of providing equal access and opportunities throughout the County. Such events include the annual Human Relations Month Forum (January 2016) and the Community Read (March 2016). Additionally, the HRC will encourage the County Departments to assess whether their services and office spaces are accessible to persons with a disability. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.