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H8629
2026 -- H 8629
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LC006593
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING JULY 2026 AS "DISABILITY AWARENESS AND DISABILITY PRIDE
MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Diaz, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Paplauskas,
Slater, Casey, Edwards, Kennedy, and Azzinaro
Date Introduced:
June 11, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, July is nationally recognized as Disability Pride Month and Disability
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Awareness Month, celebrating the contributions, achievements, history, and civil rights of people
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with disabilities; and
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WHEREAS, July 26, 2026, marks the thirty-sixth anniversary of the signing of the
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits
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discrimination against individuals with disabilities and promotes equal access, opportunity, and
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inclusion in all aspects of society; and
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WHEREAS, The ADA represented a historic promise of accessibility, independence,
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inclusion, and equal opportunity; however, barriers continue to exist in housing, transportation,
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education, employment, healthcare, voting, technology, and public accommodations; and
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WHEREAS, More than twenty-six percent of Rhode Islanders live with a disability,
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making people with disabilities one of the largest and most diverse communities in our State and
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nation; and
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WHEREAS, People with disabilities contribute significantly to Rhode Island's economic,
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civic, educational, cultural, and social life and enrich our communities through their leadership,
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talents, resilience, and achievements; and
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WHEREAS, Disability Pride recognizes that people with disabilities are a natural and
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valuable part of human diversity, and Disability Awareness calls upon all of us to identify and
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remove barriers that prevent full participation and equal opportunity; and
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island remains committed to advancing accessibility,
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equity, independence, inclusion, and dignity for all residents, regardless of ability; now, therefore
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be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims the month of July 2026 as "Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month" in the
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State of Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House honors the thirty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with
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Disabilities Act on July 26, 2026, and recommits itself to building a Rhode Island in which
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accessibility is the standard, inclusion is the expectation, and every individual has the opportunity
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to reach their full potential; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That all Rhode Islanders, businesses, schools, community organizations,
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and government agencies are encouraged to recognize Disability Awareness and Disability Pride
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Month by promoting accessibility, advancing inclusion, celebrating the contributions of
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individuals with disabilities, and fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity throughout
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the State of Rhode Island and beyond; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Tina Guenette, the CEO, Founder, and
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President of Real Access Motivates Progress (R.A.M.P.).
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LC006593
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LC006593 - Page 2 of 2