Vermont HCR 189: House concurrent resolution in memory of Michael W. Stone of Orange

Bill Text

R-230 Page 1 of 1
2026

VT LEG #387497 v.1
No. R-230. House concurrent resolution designating February 11, 2026, as Disability
Advocacy Day at the State House.
(H.C.R.189)
Offered by All Members of the House
Offered by All Members of the Senate
Whereas, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR), founded in 1974,
serves as a statewide coalition of disability rights organizations working to protect and
advance people with disabilities, and
Whereas, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, Pub. L. No. 101–336 (1990)
(ADA), as amended, established comprehensive civil rights protections for persons with
disabilities, and
Whereas, in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed
that unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination
under the ADA, and
Whereas, the closure of the Brandon Training School in 1993 marked a historic
moment in Vermont’s disability rights progress, ending the State’s operation of
institutional facilities for persons with disabilities, and
Whereas, in Vermont, the prevalence of persons with disabilities is increasing, and
they now represent one in four Vermonters, and
Whereas, recent State data shows that academic achievement and high school
graduation rates for persons with disabilities and for students studying under an
Individual Education Program are lower compared to the overall rates for the student
population, and these education disparities have long-term life implications, and
Whereas, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing voting,
securing employment, finding housing, and arranging for transportation, and are more
likely to contemplate suicide, and
Whereas, despite these challenges, persons with disabilities make impressive and
praiseworthy societal contributions in Vermont, and
Whereas, Disability Advocacy Day has occurred at the State House for many years
and provides an important opportunity to recognize progress while acknowledging
ongoing challenges, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly designates February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day
at the State House, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
VCDR.