HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamationBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan recognized Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Month to 'oincrease public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans who face
developmental disabilities and to provide the opportunities they need in order to live
productive lives and to achieve their full potential", and
WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental disabilities are
defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, which include
Autism spectrum disorders, Cerebral Palsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
intellectual or learning disabilities, hearing loss, vision impairment, and other
developmental delays, and
WHEREAS, recent estimates from the CDC show that in the United States, one in six children between
the ages of three and seventeen have one or more developmental disabilities. The US
Census Bureau estimates 13% of the population, both in Kittitas County and nationwide,
is disabled, and
WHEREAS, in Washington State, 72% of DDA clients live with their parents or relatives, 9%olive in
their own homes, 8o/o are in supported living environments, and about 3.5Yo live in adult
family homes, and
WHEREAS, people with disabilities are less likely to complete high school, less likely to be employed
and more likely to live in poverty compared to people without disabilities, and
WHEREAS, various state and local agencies and organizations provide programs and services for
people with Developmental Disabilities such as employment services and community
inclusion services, and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Kittitas County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee is to
foster an inclusive environment that supports citizens with developmental disabilities and
their families to participate in and contribute to all aspects of the community; and
WHEREAS, National Disabilities Development Awareness Month can be celebrated and promoted is
by wearing the official ribbon or clothing with the colors yellow and blue;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Kittitas
County does hereby proclaim March as Developmental Disability Awareness month and encourages all
citizens to celebrate individuals with disabilities.
DATED this I et aay of UtTL&aA.l'--,2022,a1Ellensburg, Washington.
BOARD OF COI.]NTY COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chair
, WASHINGTON
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