There are more than seven million adults with disabilities in California, and Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed this July “Disability Pride Month 2024” in recognition of the contributions of people with disabilities to the state’s diversity and strength.
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In California, where there are more than seven million adults with disabilities, Governor Gavin Newsom designated July of this year “Disability Pride Month 2024” in recognition of the contributions of people with disabilities to the state’s diversity and strength.
In this way, California joins communities across the nation in recognizing the many facets of people living with disabilities, whether visible or invisible, motor or cognitive, visual or hearing, learning or sensory, developmental or acquired.
Disability Pride Month, celebrated in July, marks the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major civil rights milestone that was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
Introduced by California Assemblyman Tony Coelho, the ADA would prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, removing barriers to employment, transportation, public services, and other important areas.
California is home to more than 7 million adults with disabilities and 1 in 7 children with disabilities attending school.
“For decades, our state has played a vital role in advancing inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of life,” Governor Newsom said in his executive order. “My Administration is committed to expanding educational opportunities, employment options, access to health and home care, civil rights, and community life for people with disabilities of all ages.”
The Governor said the state continues to prioritize accessibility for all state services and is strengthening its commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities within state services.
“Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are essential parts of our ongoing efforts to build a California that works for all,” said Governor Newsom, who called for reflection on the important contributions people with disabilities make to their communities, state and nation and reaffirmed his commitment to the rights and independence of people with disabilities.
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