Today has been designated as Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Day.
The state house passed Resolution 34 last week with a goal of recognizing citizens with disabilities who have distinguished themselves in the spirit of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. January 30th is FDR’s date of birth and the former president was able to persevere after the effects of polio left him in a wheelchair.
The spirit of Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Day began with legislation passed in 1988 to allow for more independence and inclusiveness for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf established the Employment First policy for all executive branch agencies to increase competitive, integrated employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
Written by Ryan Saeler