Executive

Office

Jennifer M. Granholm

Governor

Certificate of Tribute

On behalf of the citizens of Michigan, we, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, and Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr., do hereby recognize

20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Whereas, The enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, signaled a revolution in public policy for the more than 57 million people with disabilities, including nearly 2 million in Michigan; and,

Whereas, The ADA's main focus is to protect people with disabilities against discrimination for purposes of employment, services of state and local government, places of public accommodation, transportation, and telecommunications; and,

Whereas, Michigan is taking the necessary steps to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into communities and workplaces as they are a severely untapped resource in sustaining this state's economic growth; and,

Whereas, We must continue to work aggressively to increase the employment rates of people with disabilities by assailing a range of work disincentives, including barriers to education, healthcare, technology, housing, and transportation; and,

Whereas, By providing real choices for people with disabilities to live and work in their communities with the necessary services and support, we must be vigilant in protecting the rights we have secured; and,

Whereas, Communities and organizations throughout the nation are hosting events as part of this national celebration to encourage others to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the ADA as its existence has provided a solid foundation for meeting these challenges and the many achievements that we celebrate today;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That we, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, and John D. Cherry, Jr., lieutenant governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby offer this Certificate of Tribute to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.   We encourage all residents of this state to continue to implement the core goals of the ADA, which manifest equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

Given under our hands and the Great Seal of Michigan on this day of June Two Thousand and Ten

(signature)

Jennifer M. Granholm

Governor

(signature)

John D. Cherry, Jr.

Lt. Governor