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Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disability Mentoring Day   Printer Friendly

WHEREAS, employment is vital to independence, empowerment, and quality of life for all Alaskans, including those with disabilities who are ready to work but face discrimination or a lack of understanding of their abilities; and

WHEREAS, more can and must be done to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, so all Alaskans can work to their full potential; and

WHEREAS, the American Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment and other public spheres, from housing to health care; and

WHEREAS, in 1945, the U.S. Congress designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the enormous potential of individuals with disabilities, and to help them achieve their life goals through integration into the nation’s workforce; and

WHEREAS, a broad partnership of the American Association of People with Disabilities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, professional groups, school districts, colleges and universities and government agencies, has stepped forward to support Disability Mentoring Day; and

WHEREAS, Disability Mentoring Day gives students and job seekers with all types of disabilities a window on career options as they shadow an employee on a normal workday; and

WHEREAS, the theme of this year’s celebration is Expectation + Opportunity = FULL PARTICIPATION;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as:

Disability Employment Awareness Month

and October 23, 2009 as:

Disability Mentoring Day

in Alaska, and encourage all citizens to recognize the enormous potential of people with disabilities and to work toward their full integration into the workforce.

Dated: September 30, 2009

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