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A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2008, "DISABILITY AWARENESS

DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, persons with disabilities and their family

members represent over one-fourth of New Mexico's population;

and

WHEREAS, this community advocates with legislators to

improve the continuum of disability services statewide; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates ensuring that

disability services are consumer- and family-driven; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates increasing disability

education and training to individuals, families, providers and

the general public; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates providing adequate

funding to address the needs of the disability community; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates ensuring that

disability services are provided in a culturally competent

manner; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates using data and

information in the decision-making process for the disability

continuum in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, this community advocates increasing the number

of persons serving those with disabilities in New Mexico by

providing appropriate employment and housing opportunities for

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disability services workers; and

WHEREAS, self-advocates, family members, other advocates

and providers strive to ensure that persons with disabilities

lead personally meaningful lives, reaching personal goals with

resiliency and hope;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Wednesday, January 30, 2008, be

proclaimed "Disability Awareness Day" at the legislature to

honor persons with disabilities and their families, advocates

and providers, who enrich New Mexico's culture and contribute

to the continuing improvement in the quality of life of New

Mexico's persons with disabilities.