Happy National Barrier Awareness Day! On May 7 each year, we are charged with breaking down obstacles on this day. We are responsible for dissolving stigmas keeping people with disabilities from advancing in education.
It’s an opportunity to tear down walls and build ramps that provide access. When we have misunderstandings, see the potential for the development of new technology to bridge the gap.
Eliminate antiquated policies preventing those with disabilities from accessing their full potential. If there was ever a time to speak up about the questionable treatment of a human being, National Barrier Awareness Day encourages us to do so now.
"Today some 36 million Americans suffer from some form of handicap. Eighty percent of Americans will experience some disability in their lifetime. That makes it necessary for all of us to understand and appreciate both the barriers they must surmount and the contributions that they can make to our society.
Many disabled people face financial, cultural, and physical barriers because of a lack of public understanding of their needs. We must become more aware of the barriers that prevent or inhibit so many of our fellow Americans from participating fully in the life of our society, and how much more they could contribute if those obstacles were removed….” ~40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan, By the President of the United Staes of America A Proclamation
Visible and invisible barriers are equally difficult to overcome. With advocacy, education, and awareness these obstacles can be lifted, empowering people with disabilities to live more independent fulfilled lives.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Break the barriers and work toward eliminating all of the cultural, employment, legal, and physical obstacles that confront individuals with disabilities!
• Write to your congressperson.
• Offer solutions, not only complaints.
• Volunteer to make a difference.
Share your support using #BarrierAwarenessDay.
HISTORY
In 1986, U.S. Congress designated May 7, 1986, as National Barrier Awareness Day by a House Joint Resolution (544). It authorized the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the day.
On May 7, 1986, 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan issued proclamation 5472 and called for Americans to recognize the day with events and programs that would contribute to removing the obstacles facing those with disabilities.
How do you participate?
#NationalBarrierAwarenessDay
@american.presidency.project
@congressdotgov
@nichecinema
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