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Assembly Resolution No. 1561
BY: M. of A. Rules (Buttenschon)
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2026, as Disability Employment Awareness
Month in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those
individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its
citizens with steadfast dedication and compassionate commitment
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to family and community
life; and
WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the practice of this Legislative Body
to recognize the efforts of essential employees with disabilities who,
in providing vital care and support to people in the communities across
New York State, serve to enhance the quality of life for our residents;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as
Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness
Month is to educate and raise awareness about disability employment
issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's
workers with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The history of National Disability Employment Awareness
Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the
first week in October each year as National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge
the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed
the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has recognized the importance of
these workers by passing laws which support hiring individuals with
disabilities; Executive Order No. 136, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo
on September 17, 2014, establishes New York as an Employment First
State; and
WHEREAS, Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people,
including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts
to build an inclusive community and strong economy; and
WHEREAS, Activities during this month will reinforce the value and
talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities
and affirmNew York State's commitment to an inclusive community that
increases access and opportunities to all, including individuals with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Essential workers with disabilities have played an
important role in keeping New Yorkers safe and healthy, including during
the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Many essential employees with disabilities work through
disability job placement service providers which provide training, job
coaching and other needed supports to help individuals perform essential
work; and
WHEREAS, Preferred Source contracts for essential services arise
under New York State and local government programs which are intended to
provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The essential work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic
includes work done in supermarkets, grocery stores and other food
service establishments; manufacturing and delivery of thousands of
critical products needed by New Yorkers, especially during the pandemic,
including personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, cleaning
products, disinfectants, first aid kits, examination gloves, face
shields and bathroom tissue; and
WHEREAS, Additional work includes janitorial and maintenance work
providing deep-cleaning and disinfecting services essential to locations
such as hospitals, government buildings, transportation hubs and
vehicles, other locations where first responders and essential workers
perform, and stepping up custodial efforts to address known COVID-19
incident locations; pharmacies; homeless shelters; nursing homes;
warehouses; messenger work; and numerous other professions and
locations; and
WHEREAS, The essential employees with disabilities who perform these
jobs play a central and invaluable role in protecting New York and
fighting the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Essential employees with disabilities have continued to
perform their regular duties and more throughout the COVID-19 pandemic;
these individuals are vital to the economy of New York State, were
essential before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue to be
essential after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed into history; and
WHEREAS, These jobs provide greater independence for people with
disabilities who become tax-paying contributors to the economy and which
are vital to the economic security and personal fulfillment of the
individuals who perform them; and
WHEREAS, While others are safely under quarantine, these loyal and
dependable public servants continue to provide essential services to the
residents of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Employers, as well as New Yorkers across the State, should
celebrate essential employees with disabilities by taking a moment to
say thank you to those workers in their community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as
Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.