J 111: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 3, 2025, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 111 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 3, 2025, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State and across the Nation and World; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly; the observance of the day aspires to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to seek to increase awareness of gains derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities; the day does not discriminate between mental and physical disabilities, and the spirit of the day is to ensure that all people in New York State, the Nation, as well as the World have equal opportunities for work, play, health, and success; and WHEREAS, The global crisis of COVID-19 deepened pre-existing inequalities, exposed the extent of exclusion and highlighted that work on disability inclusion is imperative; approximately one billion people with disabilities are among the most excluded groups in our society and were among the hardest hit in this crisis; and WHEREAS, Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community; an integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind; and WHEREAS, As the world recovers from the pandemic, it is imperative that we must ensure that the aspirations and rights of persons with disabilities are included and accounted for in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world; this vision will only be achieved through active consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations; and WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations which bring greater awareness to physical health issues, and assist people in their quest to overcome these obstacles, are a great benefit to the health and welfare of all citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 3, 2025, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.