New York K 639: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of New York

Bill Text

Assembly Resolution No. 639
M. of A. ButtenschonBY:
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaimMEMORIALIZING
October 2025, as Disability Employment Awareness
Month in the State of New York
It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that thoseWHEREAS,
individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its
citizens with steadfast dedication and compassionate commitment
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to family and community
life; and
It is, furthermore, the practice of this Legislative BodyWHEREAS,
to recognize the efforts of essential employees with disabilities who,
in providing vital care and support to people in the communities across
New York State, serve to enhance the quality of life for our residents;
and
Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with itsWHEREAS,
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as
Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month; and
The purpose of National Disability Employment AwarenessWHEREAS,
Month is to educate and raise awareness about disability employment
issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's
workers with disabilities; and
The history of National Disability Employment AwarenessWHEREAS,
Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the
first week in October each year as National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week; and
In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledgeWHEREAS,
the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of
disabilities; and
In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changedWHEREAS,
the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and
The State of New York has recognized the importance ofWHEREAS,
these workers by passing laws which support hiring individuals with
disabilities; Executive Order No. 136, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo
on September 17, 2014, establishes New York as an Employment First
State; and
Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people,WHEREAS,
including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts
to build an inclusive community and strong economy; and

Activities during this month will reinforce the value andWHEREAS,
talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities
and affirm State's commitment to an inclusive community that increases
access and opportunities to all, including individuals with
disabilities; and
Essential workers with disabilities have played anWHEREAS,
important role in keeping New Yorkers safe and healthy including during
the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Many essential employees with disabilities work throughWHEREAS,
disability job placement service providers which provide training, job
coaching and other needed supports to help individuals perform essential
work; and
Preferred Source contracts for essential services ariseWHEREAS,
under New York State and local government programs which are intended to
provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities; and
The essential work performed during the COVID-19 pandemicWHEREAS,
includes work done in supermarkets, grocery stores and other food
service establishments; manufacturing and delivery of thousands of
critical products needed by New Yorkers, especially during the pandemic,
including personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, cleaning
products, disinfectants, first aid kits, examination gloves, face
shields and bathroom tissue; and
Janitorial and maintenance work providing deep-cleaning andWHEREAS,
disinfecting services essential to locations such as hospitals,
government buildings, transportation hubs and vehicles, other locations
where first responders and essential workers perform, and stepping up
custodial efforts to address known COVID-19 incident locations;
pharmacies; homeless shelters; nursing homes; warehouses; messenger
work; and numerous other professions and locations; and
The essential employees with disabilities who perform theseWHEREAS,
jobs play a central and invaluable role in protecting New York and
fighting the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Essential employees with disabilities have continued toWHEREAS,
perform their regular duties and more throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,
are vital to the economy of New York State, were essential before the
COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue to be essential after the COVID-19
pandemic has passed into history; and
These jobs provide greater independence for people withWHEREAS,
disabilities who become tax-paying contributors to the economy and which
are vital to the economic security and personal fulfillment of the
individuals who perform them; and
While others are safely under quarantine, these loyal andWHEREAS,
dependable public servants continue to provide essential services to the
residents of New York State; and

Employers as well as New Yorkers across t