Proclamation by Florence County Council for

2006 DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH 

WHEREAS, more than 500,000 South Carolina citizens and families are impacted by severe lifelong disabilities, with no distinction as to race, culture, geography, age, sex or economic class; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs serves people with the severe, lifelong disabilities of mental retardation and related disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury; and

WHEREAS, the Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs Board works with families to provide support services which promote economic self-sufficiency and independence; and

WHEREAS, people with lifelong disabilities are productive citizens, neighbors, and family members deserving of respect and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency, independence, and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, the 2006 observance of Disabilities Awareness Month celebrates the successful partnership between people with and without disabilities and the increasing involvement of people with disabilities in education, employment and community activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the governing body of Florence County, the Florence County Council, do hereby proclaim March, 2006 as

DISABILITIES AWARENSS MONTH IN FLORENCE COUNTY

and encourage our citizens to recognize the many contributions made by people with disabilities in their communities and to work together to promote increased opportunities for people with disabilities.

Done in meeting duly assembled this 16^th day of March, 2006.