PROCLAIMING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2001, TO BE "DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE" AND DECLARING LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMS THAT SERVE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES LIVING IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

WHEREAS, over nineteen percent of the New Mexico population is comprised of persons with disabilities, including young and middle-aged people, seniors, disabled veterans, paralyzed veterans, parents, husbands, wives, children and people from all races and ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, disability is a part of the human condition and is due to varying reasons such as accidents, birth trauma, war, genetics, environmental contaminants and aging; and

WHEREAS, people with disabilities prefer to live in their own homes and communities so as to be near friends and relatives, to work, to go to church and to receive social stimulation from libraries, schools, theaters, community centers, shopping malls, museums and other wonderful attractions in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, many people with disabilities do not want institutional living, but need personal care services, accessibility of the built environment, home modifications, healthy housing, adequate health insurance and health care and assistive technology to live independently; and

WHEREAS, millions of dollars come into the state to help New Mexicans with disabilities through medicaid and medicare programs, vocational rehabilitation programs, housing programs, education and job training programs, in-home care programs and transportation programs; and

WHEREAS, these programs need vigilant attention by consumers and legislators to prevent fragmentation and lack of coordination, funding or accountability; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has supported New Mexico disabled citizens for a long time and it continues to support them and encourage their involvement with the legislature and society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 23, 2001 be declared "Disability Awareness Day at the Legislature" in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support disability programs and direct agencies providing services to unite and coordinate their programs more effectively to provide timely, optimum and appropriate services that assist persons with disabilities to live and work independently in their own communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to each state agency that provides disability programs.