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Agenda Item No. 4(B) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WHEREAS, nationwide approximately 57 million people have a disability; and WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities and established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the ADA, as a civil rights law, is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else; and WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; and WHEREAS, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public; and WHEREAS, this historic Act was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities, and its passage made the United States an international leader on this human rights issue and the City of El Cerrito celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommits its efforts to maintaining the City’s ADA compliance; and WHEREAS, celebrating the abilities and contributions of people with disabilities can only serve to enrich our community and enhance our diversity. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby recognizes the significance of the efforts and advocacy of people with disabilities throughout the United States including the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District locally, who established an Accessibility Advisory Committee and has recommitted its efforts toward maintaining the District’s ADA compliance to secure access, inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. The City will continue to seek the guidance of the disability community in the continued development and provision of fully accessible services and celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion. Dated: August 18, 2015 Mark Friedman, Mayor