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Councilmember Zachary Parker Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 2
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Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Councilmember Christina Henderson 6
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Councilmember Vincent C. Gray Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. 10
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Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember Matthew Frumin 14
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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Councilmember Charles Allen 18
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Councilmember Anita Bonds 22
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 27
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 31
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To recognize the many contributions of people with developmental disabilities, to 35
emphasize the importance of quality supports and services for people with disabilities, to 36
reaffirm the District’s commitment to building thriving communities inclusive of people with 37
and without disabilities, and to declare the month of March 2024 as “Developmental 38
Disabilities Awareness Month” in the District of Columbia. 39
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WHEREAS, over 6 million Americans have developmental disabilities, and residents with 41
developmental disabilities are our friends, family, and neighbors in every Ward of the District of 42
Columbia; 43
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WHEREAS, government agencies, community organizations, and individual and family 45
leaders work together to ensure that people with developmental disabilities experience full access 46
to education, housing, employment, recreational activities, and other community resources; 47
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WHEREAS, we believe that inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our 49
communities, workplaces, and schools makes us all better off; 50
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WHEREAS, the District is committed to recognizing that every person, regardless of 52
disability, has gifts and talents, infinite capacity to learn and make decisions, and the capability to 53
make important contributions to their communities if given opportunities to do so; 54
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WHEREAS, the government of the District of Columbia, in a demonstration of its 56
commitment to supporting District residents with developmental disabilities, is working to support 57
more opportunities for economic self-sufficiency, belonging, and creative innovation by 58
establishing a State as a Model Employer program; 59
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WHEREAS, creating inclusive, supportive, and thriving environments is everyone’s 61
responsibility; 62
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WHEREAS, the 2024 observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 64
celebrates 38 years of advocacy in education, employment, housing, and community support; and 65
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WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024 will address the 67
theme of “A World of Opportunities,” and will celebrate people working together to remove 68
obstacles and create a world where everyone can succeed. 69
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 71
resolution may be cited as the “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Recognition 72
Resolution of 2024”. 73
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Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the contributions of people with developmental 75
disabilities and declares the month of March 2024 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness 76
Month”, as a confirmation of the District’s continued support for residents with developmental 77
disabilities and those who support them to achieve their goals. 78
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 80