PRINTER'S NO. 3398
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
789
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY TOOHIL, HILL-EVANS, DONATUCCI, BIZZARRO, BOBACK,
ECKER, BERNSTINE, ROZZI, KORTZ, SONNEY, HOWARD, LONGIETTI,
FREEMAN, RYAN, HENNESSEY, JAMES, MEHAFFIE, BURGOS, MURT,
BROOKS, MILLARD, SCHLOSSBERG, QUINN, THOMAS, BURNS, PICKETT,
BARRAR, READSHAW, BROWN, SAPPEY, POLINCHOCK, DELLOSO,
SCHMITT, STAATS, MACKENZIE AND KIM, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of March 2020 as "Intellectual Disability
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, An intellectual disability is characterized by
limitation in intelligence and adaptive skills; and
WHEREAS, An intellectual disability is not a mental illness;
and
WHEREAS, There are no known medical, social or educational
interventions that can cure an intellectual disability, although
each service can and does dramatically improve skills and
adaptive functioning; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with an intellectual disability deserve
and require lifelong support and services; and
WHEREAS, The Supreme Court of the United States, in its
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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, In fiscal year 2015-2016, more than 89,000 children,
including significant numbers of children who have an
intellectual disability, received early intervention services,
and an additional 13,745 individuals with an intellectual
disability continue to wait for services; and
WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2016-2017, 57,495 Pennsylvanians with
an intellectual disability received services and supports within
the community; and
WHEREAS, These services and supports ensure that all
residents of this Commonwealth who have an intellectual
disability 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 supports needed to meet the specific needs and
abilities of people with an intellectual disability; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of March 2020 as "Intellectual Disability Awareness Month"
in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the
important role of public awareness and education in improving
the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability; and be
it further
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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 individuals with an intellectual disability
to live full and productive lives in our communities.
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