1Designating the month of October 2014 as "National Disability
2Employment Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, October is recognized as National Disability
4Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM); and

5WHEREAS, During this month we pay tribute to the
6accomplishments of men and women with disabilities whose work
7keeps the nation's economy strong by reaffirming the commitment
8to ensure equal opportunity for everyone in the United States;
9and

10WHEREAS, The effort to educate the public concerning issues
11related to disability and employment began in 1945 when Congress
12enacted Public Law 176, which declared the first week of October
13as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week; and

14WHEREAS, In 1962 the word "Physically" was removed in order
15to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of persons
16with all forms of disabilities; and

1WHEREAS, Twenty-five years later, Congress expanded the week-
2long recognition to a month, changing the title to National
3Disability Employment Awareness Month; and

4WHEREAS, Employers embracing and recognizing the talents of
5persons with disabilities builds an inclusive community and a
6strong economy; and

7WHEREAS, Persons with disabilities must be woven into our
8work culture; and

9WHEREAS, The 2014 theme for NDEAM is "Expect. Employ.
10Empower."; and

11WHEREAS, This year's theme conveys the message that advancing
12disability employment is not just about hiring persons with
13disabilities, but creating a continuum of inclusion; and

14WHEREAS, Increasing opportunities for meaningful employment
15of persons with disabilities benefits all residents of this
16Commonwealth and our nation; therefore be it

17RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of October 2014
18as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" in
19Pennsylvania.