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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-142
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
March 31, 2026
To declare the month of March 2026 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in the
District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, over 8 million Americans have developmental disabilities and people with
developmental disabilities are our friends, family, and neighbors in every Ward of the District of
Columbia;
WHEREAS, throughout our nation’s history, many individuals with developmental
disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from full participation in community life;
WHEREAS, decades of advocacy, civil rights protections, and community-based
supports have expanded opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work,
learn, and participate fully in society;
WHEREAS, community living is about more than services or programs — it is about
belonging, choice, independence, and the opportunity to live a whole life;
WHEREAS, we believe that the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in
our workplaces, schools, and communities improves all of our lives;
WHEREAS, we encourage all residents to recognize the contributions of people with
developmental disabilities and to promote communities where everyone belongs;
WHEREAS, government agencies, community organizations, and individual and family
leaders work together to create accessible and high-quality education, housing, employment,
healthcare, recreational activities, and other community resources for people with developmental
disabilities and their families;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia is committed to creating more opportunities for
economic self-sufficiency, belonging, and creative innovation by ensuring that residents with
disabilities have meaningful employment opportunities;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, people with developmental disabilities strengthen our workplaces, enrich
our neighborhoods, contribute to our economy, and help shape the future of the District of
Columbia;
WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month provides an opportunity to
reflect on our progress, recognize ongoing challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to policies
and practices that support full participation in community life; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the District of Columbia to continue fostering
communities that value inclusion, remove barriers, and ensure that all people have the
opportunity to pursue their goals and aspirations.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Recognition
Resolution of 2026”.
Sec. 2. The Council declares the month of March 2026 as “Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month”.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.