Reps. Gleason, Nofs, Spade, Farrah, Wojno, Sak, Van Regenmorter, Hoogendyk, Vander Veen, Ruth Johnson, Gaffney, Moolenaar, Bieda, Zelenko, Minore, Williams, Robertson, Murphy, Condino, Clack, Brown, Gillard, Hardman, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Byrum, Daniels, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Garfield, Gieleghem, Hager, Hood, Kolb, Kooiman, LaSata, Lipsey, McConico, Meyer, Middaugh, Pappageorge, Phillips, Plakas, Richardville, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Stallworth, Tabor, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Waters, Woronchak, Jamnick, Rocca and Voorhees offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 245.

            A resolution recognizing May 2004 as Disability Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Over 1.7 million people, almost one in five of Michigan’s citizens over the age of five have disabilities based on physical or mental impairments or a combination of the two; and

            Whereas, Disabilities cut across the lines of racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds. They can occur in any family. We and our friends and neighbors all benefit from a society where citizens with disabilities are valued and where they can participate fully in, and contribute to, the life of their community; and

            Whereas, All citizens need to recognize the worth and skills of people with disabilities and assist in removing the barriers that prevent them from reaching their fullest potential. Through increased awareness, the needs of people with disabilities are becoming better understood for education, employment, housing, and recreational opportunities; and

            Whereas, We encourage others to open doors of opportunities for people with disabilities and their families by participating in, and contributing to, their communities through integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstreams; and

            Whereas, Some people with disabilities often have functional limitations to being able to take care of themselves or to being economically self-sufficient.  These limitations on major life activities are generally life-long and require a wide array of high-quality services and support systems; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 2004 as Disability Awareness Month in Michigan and call upon the residents, individuals, family members, community groups, organizations, and governmental entities of Michigan to observe the month by learning about people with disabilities, their strengths and abilities, and the programs which serve their needs.