Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
Proclamation
Disability Mentoring Day
October 17, 2007
WHEREAS: more than one million people with disabilities have entered the labor force since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and are contributing to our society and to their own fulfillment of the American dream; and
WHEREAS: new generations of young people with disabilities are growing up in Portland, Maine graduating from high school, going to college, preparing to participate in the workplace and striving to attain economic independence through self-sufficiency and gainful employment; and
WHEREAS: both students and job seekers with disabilities have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents, and abilities in an environment free of physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers; and
WHEREAS: Disability Mentoring Day provides an opportunity for students and job seekers with all types of disabilities to gain insight into career options by spending part of their day in the workplace "shadowing" an employee as he or she goes through a normal day on the job; and
WHEREAS: employers from the private, governmental, and non-profit sectors may benefit from mentoring people with disabilities as a way of learning about the experience of disability, developing lasting relationships with disability community leaders, and recruiting new and emerging talent for meaningful internship and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS: these efforts are made possible through a broad partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities and a dedicated local team of organizers from businesses, non-profit organizations, school districcts, the Portland office of Bureau of Rehabilitation, and Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Nicholas M. Mavodones, Jr., Mayor of the City of Portland, Maine, and the members of the Portland City Council do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 17, 2007 as Disability Mentoring Day within the City of Portland and encourage all citizens to recognize the enormous potential of people with disabilities and to work toward their full integration into the workforce.
Signed and sealed this 15th day of October, 2007
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Nicholas M. Mavodones, Jr., Mayor
City of Portland, Maine
