RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, COUNCILMEMBERS DIAZ, PINEDA-ISAAC AND HODGES.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS TO DECLARE MARCH 2026 AS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
WHEREAS, the month of March is recognized nationwide as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person’s growth and/or cognition; and
WHEREAS, as of 2017, about 1 in 6 children are identified to have some type of developmental disability; and
WHEREAS, individuals with developmental disabilities live, work, and volunteer in every neighborhood in the State of New York and the City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, individuals with developmental disabilities are family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, teammates and classmates; and
WHEREAS, the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the disabled community and demonstrates how people with developmental disabilities live normal lives. In return, the public can learn how they can help people with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams; and
WHEREAS, our community is the strongest when every resident is fully able to share his or her gifts and talents; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and called upon Americans everywhere to provide the encouragement and opportunities necessary so that people with developmental disabilities can reach their highest potential; and
WHEREAS, despite the many positive changes in societal attitude, workplace and educational culture, health care, available resources, and knowledge concerning people with developmental disabilities, much remains to be done to address the prevalence of negative stereotypes, lingering misinformation, and subsequent discrimination and barriers some of these vulnerable citizens face; and
WHEREAS, during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, all are encouraged to recognize the abilities of all people, and to take time to get to know some of the 300,000+ New Yorkers with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, it is crucial that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the resources which allow them to live secure, fulfilling lives, including education, housing, employment, and recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities to live as independently and productively as possible must be fostered throughout New York and in the City of Yonkers ;and
WHEREAS, continued public awareness and understanding are effective and informative ways to help address the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities in being fully included in society; and
WHEREAS, the general public is increasingly aware that these disabilities need not prevent individuals from being fully included in school, in the workplace, and at home, as members of their families and communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, commend the efforts of the individuals and organizations that have worked diligently to increase the awareness of developmental disabilities, and celebrate and support the diversity and capabilities of all our citizens, and particularly those who experience developmental disabilities; and be it further
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted at events commemorating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month throughout the City of Yonkers.