ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 47
BY REPRESENTATIVE POPE
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, for their advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities
and to designate Tuesday, April 5, 2016, as Disability Rights Day in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, a 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 their
communities; and
WHEREAS, children, regardless of the nature or severity of their disabilities, need
families and enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment to develop
to their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, adults with developmental disabilities should be afforded the
opportunity to make decisions for themselves and to live in typical homes and communities
where they can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; and
WHEREAS, almost thirteen thousand eight hundred people are waiting for individual
and family support and services that will allow them to live independently in their own
homes or with their families rather than being segregated from their communities in
facilities; and
WHEREAS, the number of individuals with disabilities waiting for individual and
family support and services continues to increase annually; and
WHEREAS, many programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities are
threatened with funding cuts or elimination; 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 are developmentally disabled; and
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WHEREAS, Disability Rights Day in Louisiana allows individuals with disabilities
and families from across Louisiana to meet their legislators at the state capitol and educate
them on the issues impacting people with disabilities, as well as to rally in support of
individual and family support and services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, for their advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities, and
does hereby designate Tuesday, April 5, 2016, as Disability Rights Day in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the executive director of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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