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A RESOLUTION HONORING DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH AND RECOGNIZING GAHANNA EMPLOYABILITY AND ADULT READINESS (GEAR), GAHANNA SPECIAL OLYMPICS, AND THE GAHANNA LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL EXTENDED SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS
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WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is celebrated each year in July to honor the disability community's history, achievements, experiences, and struggles, and to promote the idea that disability is a natural part of human diversity; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month initially started as a day of celebration in 1990, the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, a landmark legislation that has been pivotal in advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month aims to change how people think about disability, end its stigma, and promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion within our society; and
WHEREAS, Gahanna Employability and Adult Readiness (GEAR) is a state-of-the-art post-secondary program that provides instruction and services to young adults with disabilities ages 18-21, helping them to develop essential skills for employability and independent living; and has been instrumental in empowering young adults with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Gahanna Special Olympics serves approximately 128 athletes with intellectual disabilities from the local Gahanna community, providing a lifetime of opportunities to athletes of all ages, at no cost to them, through the transformative power of sport; and
WHEREAS, Extended Support Services (ESS), the special education program at GJPS serve students with multiple disabilities from preschool to age 22 and is home to the Gahanna Barkery and the Mane Cup, a micro-businesses run by the students with the goal of helping them develop life skills and prepare for workforce readiness after graduation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council does hereby recognize Disability Pride Month in the City of Gahanna and commends the ongoing efforts of all who work to promote inclusion, acceptance, and equity for individuals with disabilities.
Section 2. That this Council expressly honors Gahanna Employability and Adult Readiness (GEAR) for their outstanding work in supporting young adults with disabilities and for their contributions to creating a more inclusive community.
Section 3. That this Council celebrates the achievements of Gahanna Special Olympics, recognizing their dedication to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities and promoting community participation through the power of sport.
Section 4. That this Council acknowledges and honors the efforts of Extended Support Services at Gahanna Lincoln High School for their commitment to serving students with multiple disabilities and for their innovative micro-businesses, which help students develop essential life and workforce skills.
Section 5. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.