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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 1, 2017 10:28 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Sheryl M. Delozier |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Designating May 10th, 2017, as “Annual Stigma Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution recognizing May 10th, 2017, as Annual Stigma Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. The stigma against people with disabilities negatively impacts the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians by constricting their ability to access public buildings, obtain employment and live independently, therefore severely limiting their ability to integrate into society. 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 and awkwardness. Most people do not understand the impact of their stigmatizing thoughts, words, and actions on the lives of people with disabilities. Through education, the Stigma Project, funded 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 in order to change negative attitudes towards people with disabilities. It is imperative that we address the generic rejection of diversity that exists in Pennsylvania to enhance the inclusivity of communities across the Commonwealth. Please join me in encouraging Pennsylvanians to consider their personal contribution to the stigma against people with disabilities by cosponsoring this initiative. |
Introduced as HR324