To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of a resolution recognizing July 2025 as Disability Pride Month in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution recognizing July 2025 as Disability Pride Month in Genesee County
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the United States and individual states across the nation have recognized July as Disability Pride Month, which commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, and was first celebrated as a month dedicated to recognizing the culture and contributions of people with disabilities in July 2015 upon the 25th anniversary of the Act’s signing; and
WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is also intended to recognize that disability is part of the natural variation of life and not something to be shunned or stigmatized, while also acknowledging that people with disabilities still face barriers to full access and participation in parts of society; and
WHEREAS, the local Americans with Disabilities Act annual celebration will take place on July 25, 2025, at 11:00 am on the front lawn of Powers Catholic High School; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County has local organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for people with disabilities including Project SEARCH, which is an international program for individuals with disabilities aged 18 to 26 who work towards competitive, integrated employment, and The Disability Network, which supports and empowers people with disabilities to live independently in Genesee County through person-centered services, advocacy, and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Project SEARCH’s model of internships and externships supported by skills trainers provides pathways for young people with disabilities to showcase how they can contribute to the operations of public organizations and private businesses, thereby changing mindsets about what people with disabilities can do as valued employees; and
WHEREAS, two local partners, Genesee County Parks, which works with Project SEARCH interns at Crossroads Village, For-Mar Nature Preserve, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, and other locations, and Meijer, which participates in mock interviews for Project SEARCH participants and supports their transition into the workforce, have been especially steady employer partners; and
WHEREAS, people with disabilities of all kinds have always been important members of our community and have made contributions to every sector of government, science, law, business, education, and civil society both in Genesee County and across the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes the month of July 2025 as Disability Pride Month in Genesee County and encourages all county departments to engage in celebratory activities and appropriate recognitions, such as participation in community events, sharing stories, and learning about people with disabilities and the contributions they have made to our county and nation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.