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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, July 26, 2015, marks the 25th anniversary of the |
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signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and this important |
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observance provides a fitting opportunity to recognize Volar Center |
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for Independent Living (CIL) in El Paso and its notable efforts to |
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advance the rights, dignity, and aspirations of persons with |
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disabilities; and |
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WHEREAS, Established in 1981, Volar CIL is an organization of |
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and for persons with disabilities, with the mission to advocate for |
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human and civil rights and community options and to empower |
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individuals with disabilities to live the lives they choose; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Volar CIL has been shaped by |
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proactive El Pasoans with disabilities who together have provided |
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leadership and advocacy regarding public policy issues significant |
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to the community of persons with disabilities who live in the West |
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Texas and United States-Mexico border regions, including the |
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development of a city ordinance outlawing discrimination against |
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citizens with disabilities, which was enacted on August 8, 1989, |
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one year before the passage of the ADA; in the aftermath of the 1999 |
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Supreme Court ruling that abolished the unjustified institutional |
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isolation and segregation of people with disabilities, Volar CIL |
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has assisted over 400 El Pasoans in transitioning into the |
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community-based homes of their choice; and |
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WHEREAS, Volar CIL has led the community in persuading the |
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commissioners court and city council to reexamine their |
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governmental plans for compliance with the ADA, and it was |
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instrumental in bringing about the city's 2011 Analysis of |
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Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and the county's hiring of an ADA |
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coordinator; its ongoing efforts are focused on securing the future |
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of El Paso residents with disabilities by engaging in opportunities |
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that will continue to protect and enhance their human and civil |
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rights, which include the Building Community Capacity Program and |
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the adoption of the nationwide Youth Leadership Forum; and |
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WHEREAS, The commitment of everyone associated with Volar CIL |
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to the cause of equality has greatly benefited innumerable groups |
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of persons with disabilities and made their community a more |
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inclusive place to live, and thus, Volar Center for Independent |
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Living indeed merits special recognition for its many commendable |
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achievements; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Volar Center for Independent Living and |
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extend sincere best wishes to all those involved with the |
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organization for continued success with their important work; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Volar CIL as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |