PRINTER'S NO. 379
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
77
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY TOOHIL, ELLIS, QUIGLEY, KIM, KILLION, DUSH,
SONNEY, DAVIS, DiGIROLAMO, BAKER, VEREB, MUSTIO, THOMAS,
READSHAW, MILLARD, KINSEY, SCHLEGEL CULVER, COHEN, HEFFLEY,
LONGIETTI, PICKETT, MACKENZIE, HENNESSEY, BISHOP, V. BROWN,
WHEELAND, O'NEILL, SCHWEYER, BENNINGHOFF, MARSHALL,
YOUNGBLOOD, KIRKLAND, DRISCOLL, STURLA, BROWNLEE, GINGRICH,
SCHLOSSBERG, MATZIE, CALTAGIRONE, HELM, FARINA, FRANKEL,
WHEATLEY, ROSS, BARRAR, PETRI, CUTLER, KAUFFMAN, CONKLIN,
MARSICO, GOODMAN, RAPP, KAVULICH, C. PARKER, ACOSTA, WATSON
AND GRELL, FEBRUARY 9, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 9, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of March 2015 as "Intellectual
Disabilities Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, An intellectual disability is a particular state of
functioning that may be genetic, neurological or the result of a
traumatic life event; and
WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are characterized by
limitation in intelligence and adaptive skills; and
WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are not mental illness;
and
WHEREAS, There are no known medical, social or educational
interventions that can cure intellectual disabilities, although
each service can and does dramatically improve skills and
adaptive functioning; and
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WHEREAS, Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve
and require lifelong support and services; and
WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court, in its Olmstead
decision, affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities,
including intellectual disabilities and other developmental
disabilities, to receive community-based services as an
alternative to institutional care; and
WHEREAS, Almost 55,230 Pennsylvanians with intellectual
disabilities received services and support in fiscal year 2013-
2014; and
WHEREAS, More than 37,800 children, including significant
numbers of children who have intellectual disabilities, received
early intervention services in fiscal year 2013-2014, and an
additional 14,801 individuals with intellectual disabilities
continue to wait for services; and
WHEREAS, These services and supports ensure that all
residents of this Commonwealth who have intellectual
disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the range of
life experiences we all enjoy in our homes and communities, such
as inclusion in schools, neighborhoods, businesses and places of
worship; and
WHEREAS, Public awareness and education improve the
community's understanding of intellectual disabilities and the
services and support needed to meet the specific needs and
abilities of people with intellectual disabilities; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of March 2015 as "Intellectual Disabilities Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania and acknowledge the important role of
public awareness and education in improving the lives of
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individuals with intellectual disabilities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express
appreciation to all Pennsylvanians who conduct special outreach,
education and services during the month of March and urge the
residents of this Commonwealth to give year-round support to
efforts which enable people with intellectual disabilities to
live full and productive lives in our communities.
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