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Proclamation

Proclamation

A printout of the proclamation, featuring icons of hands performing sign language

Date: 1993

A printout of the proclamation, featuring icons of hands performing sign language

The original organizers wrote an official announcement called a proclamation. It explained the current goals of the movement and declared July 26 as “Disability Independence Day.”

Disability Independence Day March ‘95

DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, throughout history, people with disabilities have been oppressed.

AND WHEREAS, in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, the non- disabled majority continues to regard persons with disabilities as inherently inferior, as lacking the ability to fully participate in the mainstream.

AND WHEREAS persons with disabilities continue to be discriminated against in the areas of employment, public service (including activities of state and local governments), public transportation, public accomodations (including business and service providers and privately-financed public transportation) and telecommunications.

AND WHEREAS, the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Of 1990 mandates the elimination of discrimination in these areas of American life, mandates the expeditious removal of all barriers full participation by persons with disabilities in these critical facets of the aforementioned mainstream.

AND WHEREAS July 26 is the anniversary of the signing of this ACT,

BE IT HEREWITH RESOLVED and PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE LAND that from this time forward, JULY 26 shall be known as DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY.

WE who issue this PROCLAMATION urge all Americans, non-disabled and disabled alike, to celebrate as one the birth of a new era of equality and justice.