Proclaiming July 2026 as "Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, July is nationally recognized as Disability Pride Month and Disability Awareness Month, celebrating the contributions, achievements, history, and civil rights of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, July 26, 2026, marks the thirty-sixth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and promotes equal access, opportunity, and inclusion in all aspects of society; and

WHEREAS, The ADA represented a historic promise of accessibility, independence, inclusion, and equal opportunity; however, barriers continue to exist in housing, transportation, education, employment, healthcare, voting, technology, and public accommodations; and

WHEREAS, More than twenty-six percent of Rhode Islanders live with a disability, making people with disabilities one of the largest and most diverse communities in our State and nation; and

WHEREAS, People with disabilities contribute significantly to Rhode Island's economic, civic, educational, cultural, and social life and enrich our communities through their leadership, talents, resilience, and achievements; and

WHEREAS, Disability Pride recognizes that people with disabilities are a natural and valuable part of human diversity, and Disability Awareness calls upon all of us to identify and remove barriers that prevent full participation and equal opportunity; and

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island remains committed to advancing accessibility, equity, independence, inclusion, and dignity for all residents, regardless of ability; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims the month of July 2026 as "Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House honors the thirty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2026, and recommits itself to building a Rhode Island in which accessibility is the standard, inclusion is the expectation, and every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential; and be it further

RESOLVED, That all Rhode Islanders, businesses, schools, community organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to recognize Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month by promoting accessibility, advancing inclusion, celebrating the contributions of individuals with disabilities, and fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity throughout the State of Rhode Island and beyond; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Tina Guenette, the CEO, Founder, and President of Real Access Motivates Progress (R.A.M.P.).