2026 -- H 8629

========

LC006593

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

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

     WHEREAS, July is nationally recognized as Disability Pride Month and Disability

Awareness Month, celebrating the contributions, achievements, history, and civil rights of people

with disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, July 26, 2026, marks the thirty-sixth anniversary of the signing of the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits

discrimination against individuals with disabilities and promotes equal access, opportunity, and

inclusion in all aspects of society; and

     WHEREAS, The ADA represented a historic promise of accessibility, independence,

inclusion, and equal opportunity; however, barriers continue to exist in housing, transportation,

education, employment, healthcare, voting, technology, and public accommodations; and

     WHEREAS, More than twenty-six percent of Rhode Islanders live with a disability,

making people with disabilities one of the largest and most diverse communities in our State and

nation; and

     WHEREAS, People with disabilities contribute significantly to Rhode Island's economic,

civic, educational, cultural, and social life and enrich our communities through their leadership,

talents, resilience, and achievements; and

     WHEREAS, Disability Pride recognizes that people with disabilities are a natural and

valuable part of human diversity, and Disability Awareness calls upon all of us to identify and

remove barriers that prevent full participation and equal opportunity; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island remains committed to advancing accessibility,

equity, independence, inclusion, and dignity for all residents, regardless of ability; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims the month of July 2026 as "Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month" in the

State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House honors the thirty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with

Disabilities Act on July 26, 2026, and recommits itself to building a Rhode Island in which

accessibility is the standard, inclusion is the expectation, and every individual has the opportunity

to reach their full potential; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That all Rhode Islanders, businesses, schools, community organizations,

and government agencies are encouraged to recognize Disability Awareness and Disability Pride

Month by promoting accessibility, advancing inclusion, celebrating the contributions of

individuals with disabilities, and fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity throughout

the State of Rhode Island and beyond; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Tina Guenette, the CEO, Founder, and

President of Real Access Motivates Progress (R.A.M.P.).

========

LC006593

========

LC006593 - Page 2 of 2