Governor Baldacci Proclaims Disability Awareness Month in MaineApril 11th, 2007 AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci has proclaimed the month of April as Disability Awareness Month throughout the state of Maine. The Governor issued the proclamation during a press conference in the Hall of Flags at the State House with the Maine Disability Advocacy Coalition. The text of the proclamation follows: WHEREAS, one in five residents of Maine over the age of 5 years has some type of disability; and WHEREAS, disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to live independently, and participate in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of our communities and State; and WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities are our neighbors, friends and colleagues, and contribute significantly to the overall quality of life in Maine; and WHEREAS, all persons regardless of any disability have the right to live their lives with dignity and respect as full participants in society; and WHEREAS, public awareness and education can help us to recognize the factors that limit access and inclusion for persons with disabilities, and promote the removal of those barriers; and WHEREAS, we must increase our efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have the same opportunities to explore and develop their abilities, pursue meaningful and productive lives, and contribute to their families, community, state and nation; and WHEREAS, achieving these goals for persons with disabilities will benefit all citizens of our state, NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim April, 2007 as DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance. Source: 041607 |