2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 18
BY SENATOR HEWITT AND REPRESENTATIVE PEARSON
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, and designate April 26, 2017, as "Disability Rights Day" in
Louisiana.
WHEREAS, disabilities are a natural part of life and do not diminish the right of
individuals with disabilities to exercise control over their lives and to fully participate in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, children, regardless of the severity of their particular disability, need
families and enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment to develop
their full 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 fifteen thousand people in Louisiana are waiting for individual and
family supports and services that will allow them to live in their own home or with their
family rather than having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive
proper support; and
WHEREAS, the number of individuals with disabilities waiting for individual and
family supports and services continues to increase annually as some programs for these
people have sustained budget cuts over the past several years; and
WHEREAS, a designation of Disability Rights Day would allow individuals with
disabilities and their families from across Louisiana to meet with their legislators at the
capitol and to educate them on the issues impacting people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, such a designated day would also allow advocates to rally in support
of individual and family supports and services; and
Page 1 of 2 SCR NO. 18 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, the focus of this day will be entirely on the disability rights issues,
which should bring this topic to the attention of the public at large, not just the elected
representatives of Louisiana, who can, in turn, inform their representatives of each voter's
position on this most important issue.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and its grassroots advocacy
network, LaCAN, and designate April 26, 2017, as "Disability Rights Day" in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Sandee Winchell, executive director of LaCAN.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2