[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I introduce a resolution recognizing and 
supporting the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month.
  Whereas one in every five Americans struggles with some sort of 
disability, be it intellectual, physical or otherwise, and the need for 
inclusion of individuals with disabilities is a family, community and 
national priority;
  Whereas a similar ratio exists in the Jewish community, with over 1 
million Jewish individuals living with a form of disability;
  Whereas individuals with disabilities face significant disadvantages 
in educational and employment opportunities;
  Whereas 70 percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed or 
significantly underemployed;
  Whereas special education and related programming do not address 
underlying needs for appropriate training to lead to greater 
independence and employment;
  Whereas Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, and its 
parent organization, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of 
America, is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with 
disabilities and including them in the Jewish community;
  Whereas Yachad provides programming for individuals with disabilities 
and their families to foster inclusion in communal happenings and 
assists in placing individuals with disabilities in employment;
  Whereas Yachad and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of 
America are cosponsoring North American Inclusion Month in February to 
increase public awareness of the life circumstances of individuals with 
disabilities, and the need for increased employment opportunities, 
better special education and increased inclusion of these individuals 
on the family, communal and national levels: Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and supports 
the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month.

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