SENATE MEMORIAL 37

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Nancy Rodriguez

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE VALUE, RESPECT AND DIGNITY OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF MARCH 2015 AS "DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH".

     WHEREAS, developmental disability is a natural part of human experience, affecting more than twenty thousand New Mexican children and adults and millions of Americans; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans with and without disabilities work together, play together, worship together, learn together and grow together; and

     WHEREAS, every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, an infinite capacity to learn and the potential to make important contributions to their local communities; and

     WHEREAS, all individuals with developmental disabilities can be productive, contributing members of their communities; and

     WHEREAS, individuals with developmental disabilities in New Mexico share with the state's other residents the right to live life as they choose in their education, job, recreation and home decisions; and

     WHEREAS, the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 seeks to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities are able to participate fully in their communities through integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, religious and educational sectors of society; and

     WHEREAS, the federal act seeks to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, culturally competent services and assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in the community; and

     WHEREAS, the full inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families into their communities involves engaging individuals in making life choices, partnering with communities to build resources and improving systems of care; and

     WHEREAS, behaviors and attitudes of all citizens should reflect respect in any interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities, whether in public or in private settings; and

     WHEREAS, language is a reflection of how people see each other, and it can be used to build up or tear down a person's self-esteem; and

     WHEREAS, responsible communicators carefully choose language that reflects the dignity of people with developmental disabilities, opting for words that place the person, rather than the disability, first; and

     WHEREAS, all opportunities to treat adults and children with developmental disabilities with respect should be pursued to promote positive perceptions of all people in all walks of life; and

     WHEREAS, "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" is an appropriate time to recognize New Mexico's public policy accomplishments concerning persons with developmental disabilities and also to identify the improvements to the public policy that would fully include all of New Mexico's residents with developmental disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, celebrating the abilities and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities can only serve to enrich the communities of New Mexico and to enhance diversity;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to proclaim the month of March 2015 as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that residents be urged to take meaningful steps to recognize the value and respect the dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this respect and value be reflected in personal interactions with individuals with developmental disabilities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all public officials be encouraged to identify and eradicate incidents of harsh labeling in their official capacities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, all cabinet secretaries and to the university of New Mexico center for development and disability.

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