WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for one in five Americans living with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions; and
WHEREAS, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska, State ADA Office, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, the Division of Senior Disability Services, other state government agencies, and the Alaska Association for Developmental Disabilities, have made substantial contributions to the quality of life for state residents who have disabilities;
WHEREAS, on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Alaska celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made since the adoption of the ADA; and
WHEREAS, we reaffirm the principals of equality and inclusion, and recommit to complying with the ADA, creating opportunities for all Alaskans and achieving greater social, economic and personal independence for individuals with disabilities.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2020 as:
Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to celebrate the many contributions individuals with disabilities have made to our state, and to fulfill the mandate of the ADA to give all people the opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and achieve their dreams.
