Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 53

Introduced by Senator Galgiani

(Coauthors: Senators Anderson, Hall, Hertzberg, Huff, and Leno)

(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chu, Cooper, Dodd, Gordon, Lackey, Steinorth, and Waldron)

May 4, 2015

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 53—Relative to Disability Awareness Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 53, as introduced, Galgiani. Disability awareness.

This measure would recognize the month of June 2015 as Disability Awareness Month.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, There are over 4,268,000 people with disabilities
living in the State of California;

WHEREAS, The State of California does not currently recognize
Disability Awareness Month, but municipalities throughout
Stanislaus County recognize June 2015 as Disability Awareness
Month; and

WHEREAS, Around 10 percent of the world’s population, or
650 million people, live with a disability. They are the world’s
largest minority group; and

WHEREAS, Persons with disabilities constitute the only
minority group you can join at any time; and

WHEREAS, Disabilities can affect all people, regardless of
race, age, gender, or social status. The essence of life is not
embodied by physical or mental perfection, but it is an integral
part of the human spirit; and

WHEREAS, Increasing public awareness about diverse abilities
is vital to fighting the stigma and discrimination that often serve
as a barrier to employment, socialization, and individual well-being
for persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Within the next year, at least one out of eight
Californians will experience a disability, personally or through a
family member; and

WHEREAS, People with different abilities are independent and
productive members of the community. Education, understanding,
access, engagement, and relationships are important components
of a connected, livable, and healthy community. Communities
thrive when residents appreciate the unique gifts inside people of
all abilities. By developing relationships with our neighbors, we
make our community a place where everyone participates and is
a valued member; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the
month of June 2015 as Disability Awareness Month, and urges all
citizens of the state to become aware of the needs and capabilities
of persons with disabilities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.