Governor Stein Proclaims Independent Living Day

Independent Living Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, signed into law on September 26, 1973, is the first federal law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and affirms the rights of individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in society; and

Whereas, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act established that individuals with disabilities shall not be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, forming the foundation of modern disability rights protections; and

Whereas, the Independent Living Program, authorized under the Rehabilitation Act, advances a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-determination, and equal access for people with disabilities; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council works in partnership with Centers for Independent Living to develop, monitor, and implement the State Plan for Independent Living, ensuring that individuals with disabilities drive decision-making and statewide priorities; and

Whereas, the State Plan for Independent Living serves as a strategic roadmap to expand access, strengthen community-based services, and promote independence, inclusion, and opportunity for North Carolinians with disabilities; and

Whereas, Centers for Independent Living across North Carolina provide essential, community-based services that empower individuals with disabilities to live self-directed lives and fully engage in their communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2026, as “Independent Living Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eighth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.