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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 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 /> 2002 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 15'b day of October 2002. <br /> Barry Jacobs, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />