Label
Council Members Cherry and Melden
Title
Recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Summary
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities serves nearly 100,000 Ohioans living with an intellectual or developmental disability; and
WHEREAS, boards of developmental disabilities are the only public agencies that provide care potentially from birth through end of life; and
WHEREAS, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities works with 600 providers throughout the county to serve nearly 4,000 individuals with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, LIFE is an acronym for the Board’s core values of Living life, Inclusion, Freedom of choice, and the belief that Everyone has worth; and the Board’s more than 300 employees are driven by its mission to improve LIFE so that individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, people with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to live their lives in the same manner as other residents throughout our area and equally be able to choose their own home, relationships, hobbies, careers, and beliefs; and
WHEREAS, March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential”; and
WHEREAS, the goal of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live; and
WHEREAS, Toledo City Council commends the efforts of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and other organizations to increase awareness, and celebrates and supports the diversity and capabilities of all residents of Toledo and throughout Lucas County; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That March be recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to raise awareness of the needs and potential of these individuals, and to encourage inclusion and opportunities, and to celebrate their contributions to the community.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: March 21, 2023, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 0.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: March 21, 2023
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor