Oct 22, 2009
Disability History and Awareness Month
October in Virginia:
Disability History and Awareness Month
By: Ashley Chapman, Statewide Advocacy Manager
There are varying estimates as to how many Virginians are living with a disability. The most recent estimate from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities suggests that it may be over one million people, several thousand of whom have multiple sclerosis. There is a great need for support, recognition and awareness of people with disabilities and the issues they face.
During the 2009 legislative session a resolution was passed by the General Assembly designating October as Disability History and Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. Senate Joint Resolution number 321 was introduced by Senator Toddy Puller* and passed unanimously by both chambers. By adopting this resolution, the General Assembly followed the precedence of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention which recognizes October as National Disability Awareness Month. October is also acknowledged as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Senate Joint Resolution number 321 begins by citing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its four founding principles: inclusion, full participation, economic self sufficiency and equality of opportunity for all people with disabilities. The ADA, which was passed by Congress in 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, the provision of services and benefits and by private businesses and public places. Since its passage, ADA has been a catalyst for progress in improving the standard of living for people with disabilities. However, despite the great progress that has been made there are still gaps in implementation and work to be done.
Celebrate Disability History and Awareness Month by contacting your legislators to thank them for Resolution 321, and to encourage them to act on their words and protect and uphold the rights of people with disabilities. Continue contacting your legislators throughout the year to discuss the need for accessible and affordable housing, accessible and affordable transportation and comprehensive healthcare. Legislators can and should stand in solidarity with the disability community year-round by promoting the implementation of ADA at all levels in the Commonwealth.
Become an MS Activist and hold your government accountable for meeting the needs of people with disabilities by implementing sound policy that promotes independence, self sufficiency and increased opportunity. Email AdvocacyVA@nmss.org for ways in which you can join the movement!
*Senator Puller was recently honored by the National Capital Chapter for being an MS Champion in the General Assembly. She has consistently promoted policies that positively benefit Virginians with disabilities, including members of the MS community.