SENATE RESOLUTION
8689
By Senators Kauffman, Trudeau, Wagoner, Bateman, Boehnke, Chapman, Christian, Conway, Cortes, Dhingra, Dozier, Frame, Hasegawa, Liias, Lovelett, Lovick, Nobles, Orwall, Pedersen, Robinson, Saldaña, Shewmake, Valdez, Warnick, Alvarado, Braun, Cleveland, Fortunato, Gildon, Goehner, Hansen, Harris, Holy, Hunt, King, Krishnadasan, MacEwen, McCune, Muzzall, Riccelli, Salomon, Schoesler, Short, Slatter, Stanford, Torres, Wellman, C. Wilson, and J. Wilson
WHEREAS, March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month under the leadership of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. It is a time to recognize people with developmental disabilities and the ways they strengthen families, communities, and public life across Washington state; and
WHEREAS, Developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions that may affect learning, communication, mobility, or independent living, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care; and
WHEREAS, Estimates using federal definitions suggest that approximately 1.58 percent of Washington's population meets the criteria for intellectual and developmental disabilities, which translates to an estimated 120,000 people statewide, each with their own talents, goals, and contributions; and
WHEREAS, People with developmental disabilities are students, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and loved ones, and their lives reflect the importance of belonging, stability, and community support; and
WHEREAS, Across Washington, families and caregivers work every day alongside educators, health care professionals, service providers, and advocates to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities are supported at every stage of life, from early learning and school transitions to employment, housing, and community connection; and
WHEREAS, Washington's commitment to equity and opportunity is strengthened when people with developmental disabilities are welcomed, included, and able to participate fully in their communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate acknowledge March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, honor individuals with developmental disabilities across Washington state, and express appreciation for the families, caregivers, educators, providers, and advocates whose care and support help make our communities more inclusive, more connected, and stronger for everyone.
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate,
do hereby certify that this is a true and