1Recognizing the month of March 2014 as "Intellectual
2Disabilities Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, An intellectual disability is a particular state of
4functioning that may be genetic, neurological or the result of a
5traumatic life event; and

6WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are characterized by
7limitation in intelligence and adaptive skills; and

8WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are not mental illness;
9and

10WHEREAS, There are no known medical, social or educational
11interventions that can cure intellectual disabilities, although
12each service can and does dramatically improve skills and
13adaptive functioning; and

1WHEREAS, Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve
2and require lifelong support and services; and

3WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court, in its Olmstead
4decision, affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities,
5including intellectual disabilities and other developmental
6disabilities, to receive community-based services as an
7alternative to institutional care; and

8WHEREAS, Almost 55,230 Pennsylvanians with intellectual
9disabilities received services and support in fiscal year 2013-
102014; and

11WHEREAS, More than 37,800 children, including significant
12numbers of children who have intellectual disabilities, received
13early intervention services in fiscal year 2013-2014 and an
14additional 14,801 individuals with intellectual disabilities
15continue to wait for services; and

16WHEREAS, These services and support ensure that all citizens
17of this Commonwealth who have intellectual disabilities have the
18opportunity to participate in the range of life experiences we
19all enjoy in our homes and communities, such as inclusion in
20schools, neighborhoods, businesses and places of worship; and

21WHEREAS, Public awareness and education improve the
22community's understanding of intellectual disabilities and the
23services and support needed to meet the specific needs and
24abilities of people with intellectual disabilities; therefore be
25it

26RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the
27important role of public awareness and education in improving
28the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and
29recognize the month of March 2014 as "Intellectual Disabilities
30Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further

1RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express
2appreciation to all those Pennsylvanians who conduct special
3outreach, education and services during the month of March and
4hereby urge the citizens of this Commonwealth to give year-round
5support to efforts which enable people with intellectual
6disabilities to live full and productive lives in our
7communities.