2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 41
BY SENATOR BARROW AND REPRESENTATIVE JAMES
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, for its advocacy efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are
supported to live independently and are integrated and included in all facets of
community life, and to designate April 5, 2016, 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 their
communities; and
WHEREAS, children, regardless of the severity of their disability, need families and
enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment, as with all children,
children with developmental disabilities need families and family relationships 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, over 13,800 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 having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive support;
and
WHEREAS, the number of individuals with disabilities waiting for individual and
family support and services continues to increase annually; and
WHEREAS, many programs for people with disabilities are being threatened with
cuts or elimination; and
Page 1 of 2 SCR NO. 41 ENROLLED
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, Disability Rights Day at the Capitol allows individuals with disabilities
and families from across Louisiana to meet their legislators at the 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 its advocacy efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are
supported to live independently and are integrated and included in all facets of community
life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
designate April 5, 2016, as Disability Rights Day in Louisiana, a day to celebrate that much
has been accomplished in Louisiana but also recognize that much work remains for all
people with disabilities to be fully included in their communities.
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
Page 2 of 2