WHEREAS, July 26, 2021, marks 31 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law with the promise of fostering full and equal access to civic, economic, and social life for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA bans discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications; and
WHEREAS, the passage of the ADA was the culmination of decades of advocacy, community organizing, and activism by thousands of Americans who challenged the barriers that excluded and segregated people with disabilities from full participation and inclusion in community life; and
WHEREAS, for the one in five North Carolinians who is born with or will acquire a disability during their lifetime, the ADA establishes the expectation that they are able to fully participate in our society and economy while contributing their many talents and skills; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina embraces the principles embodied in the ADA and renews our commitment to eliminating barriers to inclusion and full participation in our communities and economy; and
WHEREAS, to increase opportunities for fair wages; competitive, integrated employment and careers; and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, Executive Order No. 92 declares North Carolina an Employment First state and directs the Office of State Human Resources to transform state government into a model employer for people with disabilities while also giving individuals the freedom and tools to choose whether and when to disclose a disability; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2021, our state and nation will commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, celebrating the progress that has been made while recognizing the struggle for equal access and inclusion is ongoing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2021, as “AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.