Including People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Month

PROCLAMATION
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INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MONTH

WHEREAS, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and others, constitute one of America’s largest groups of citizens who have disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the most effective methods for improving the lives of these individuals are public awareness, employment, understanding and inclusion in the community; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County recognizes those persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have proven themselves to be excellent examples of productive employees, and the Arlington employees and non-profit staff members who have supported these individuals in their work; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County is committed to empowering and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve self-determined lifestyles through community-based employment, living arrangements, education, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County is proud to recognize and support the efforts of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in maximizing their employment potential, and the Arlington County employees and non-profit partners who help them to achieve; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim March 2016 as

INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MONTH

in Arlington County, and urge all residents, in recognition of the tremendous value and potential of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to dedicate themselves to the empowerment and full inclusion of every one of these individuals in all aspects of community life, all year long.