Designates December of 3rd of each year as "International Day of Persons with Disabilities."
If adopted, AJR136 would formalize the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day and urges public officials and citizens to engage in activities promoting awareness and support for disability inclusion. This annual observance aims to highlight both the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the societal benefits of integrating diverse abilities into all aspects of life, including economic, cultural, and political participation.
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 136 (AJR136) proposes the designation of December 3rd of each year as 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities' in New Jersey. This designation aims to promote public understanding of the inequalities that exclude people living with disabilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of disability inclusion in realizing human rights, sustainable development, and peace. It seeks to mobilize public support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to address systemic disparities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution draws attention to the persistent exclusion faced by people with disabilities, particularly exacerbated during the COVID-19 crisis. Proponents might argue that this observance is a vital step in acknowledging and addressing these inequalities, while critics could question the effectiveness of such symbolic resolutions without accompanying legislative measures to ensure real change. Nonetheless, the intent behind AJR136 is to contribute to a broader global movement initiated by the United Nations, aimed at enhancing the lives and rights of persons with disabilities.