PRINTER'S NO. 1681
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
324
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY DELOZIER, MURT, MARSICO, BIZZARRO, CALTAGIRONE,
CHARLTON, D. COSTA, DEAN, DiGIROLAMO, DRISCOLL, FREEMAN,
GODSHALL, PHILLIPS-HILL, HILL-EVANS, KINSEY, LONGIETTI,
MILLARD, PASHINSKI, READSHAW, ROZZI, SCHLOSSBERG, SIMS,
SOLOMON, TOOHIL, VAZQUEZ, WARD AND NEILSON, MAY 9, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MAY 9, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating May 10, 2017, as "Annual Stigma Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The stigma against people with disabilities
negatively impacts the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians by
constricting their ability to access public buildings, obtain
employment, live independently, engage in the community, reach
personal goals and aspirations, build relationships, obtain
transportation and integrate into society; and
WHEREAS, The segregation of groups, including people with
disabilities, deprives our communities, towns and cities of
intellect, creativity and more; and
WHEREAS, Research conducted for the Pennsylvania Mental
Health Consumers' Association found that 79% of Pennsylvanians
surveyed said they believe society thinks of individuals with
physical, mental or intellectual disabilities with discomfort or
awkwardness; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
WHEREAS, The lack of exposure, interaction and dialogue with
people with disabilities causes natural reactions of unease,
caution and fear; and
WHEREAS, Most Pennsylvanians do not understand the impact of
their stigmatizing thoughts, words and actions on the lives of
people with disabilities in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Greater interaction with people with disabilities
and increased education on the subject can drastically reduce
stigmatizing perceptions; and
WHEREAS, Eliminating the stigma against people with
disabilities will greatly increase their quality of life and
their ability to become equal, contributing members of society;
and
WHEREAS, A culture of inclusivity for people with
disabilities will benefit all Pennsylvanians, as people with
disabilities add value to the communities of which they are a
part; and
WHEREAS, By addressing the generic rejection of diversity
where it exists in this Commonwealth, we can expand inclusion in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, The Stigma Project, founded by the Pennsylvania
Developmental Disabilities Council and overseen by the
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association, has taken a
bold stand against stigma and embraced a mission to build
inclusivity and change negative attitudes towards people with
disabilities in Pennsylvania; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate May 10,
2017, as "Annual Stigma Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage
20170HR0324PN1681 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Pennsylvanians to consider their personal contribution to the
stigma against people with disabilities, pursue further
education on the subject and challenge themselves to change
their thinking.
20170HR0324PN1681 - 3 -
1
2
3
4