July 26, 2024: A Day to Honor the Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

WHEREAS, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for eliminating discrimination against individuals with disabilities and expanding opportunities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in professional and community life; and,

WHEREAS, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, about 27 percent of people in Michigan have disabilities; these rates increase with age, with 41 percent of Michigan adults who are 75 years or older having a disability of some kind; and,

WHEREAS, it is important to ensure that people with disabilities are given equal access to employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications in our state; and,

WHEREAS, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continuing our efforts to fully implement the ADA; and,

WHEREAS, on this anniversary of the signing of the ADA, we should recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion, and recommit ourselves to reaching full ADA compliance;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2024, as a Day to Honor the 34^th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Michigan and encourage everyone to renew our commitments to equity and inclusion as we work to make our state a welcoming and accessible place for everyone.