2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 37
BY SENATORS DONAHUE AND PEACOCK AND REPRESENTATI VE LEGER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, for its advocacy efforts to support that people with disabilities be
allowed to live independently and become integrated and included in all facets of
community living, and to designate April 29, 2015, as Disability Rights Day in
Louisiana.
WHEREAS, disability is a natural part of life and does not diminish the right of
individuals with disabilities to exercise control over their lives and fully participate in the
community; and
WHEREAS, children, regardless of the severity of their disability, need a nurturing
home environment so each child is able to develop adult and family relationships to their
fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, adults with developmental disabilities should be afforded the
opportunity to make decisions for themselves and live in typical homes and communities,
so they can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; and
WHEREAS, almost thirteen thousand people are waiting for individual and family
support and services that will allow them to live independently in their own home or with
their family rather than being segregated from their community in a facility to receive
support, and this number continues to increase annually; and
WHEREAS, LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals, families, and
other stakeholders advocating for individual and family support and services for Louisiana's
citizens who experience developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, recognition of Disability Rights Day at the capitol allows individuals
with disabilities and families from across Louisiana to meet and educate legislators on the
issues impacting people with disabilities as well as rally support for individual and family
support and services; and
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WHEREAS, this marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), which expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by
reducing barriers and changing perceptions.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, for its advocacy efforts to support that people with disabilities be allowed
to live independently and become integrated and included in all facets of community living,
and it hereby designates April 29, 2015, as Disability Rights Day in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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