Senate Resolution No. 1524

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
December 3, 2024, as International Day of Persons
with Disabilities in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State and across the
Nation and World; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Tuesday, December 3, 2024,
as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was
proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly; the
observance of the day aspires to promote an understanding of disability
issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of
persons with disabilities and to seek to increase awareness of gains
derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every
aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, International Day of Persons with Disabilities
is a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of
the challenges faced by people with disabilities; the day does not
discriminate between mental and physical disabilities, and the spirit of
the day is to ensure that all people in New York State, the Nation, as
well as the World have equal opportunities for work, play, health, and
success; and

WHEREAS, The global crisis of COVID-19 deepened pre-existing
inequalities, exposed the extent of exclusion and highlighted that work
on disability inclusion is imperative; approximately one billion people
with disabilities are among the most excluded groups in our society and
were among the hardest hit in this crisis; and

WHEREAS, Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities
are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to
participate in the community; an integrated approach is required to
ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind; and

WHEREAS, As the world recovers from the pandemic, it is imperative
that we must ensure that the aspirations and rights of persons with
disabilities are included and accounted for in an inclusive, accessible
and sustainable post COVID-19 world; this vision will only be achieved
through active consultation with persons with disabilities and their
representative organizations; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations which bring greater awareness
to physical health issues, and assist people in their quest to overcome
these obstacles, are a great benefit to the health and welfare of all
citizens; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 3, 2024, as
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 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.