Public Law 97–149

Joint Resolution

To designate 1982 as the “National Year of Disabled Persons”.

Whereas the designation by the United Nations of 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons has stimulated new progress toward achieving the full participation in national and community life of the thirty-five million Americans who have disabilities;

Whereas such progress has depended upon the initiative and resources of individuals and organizations in all sectors of American society who have worked in partnership with disabled persons;

Whereas such partnership has contributed substantially toward improving the fives of disabled Americans;

Whereas further additional action is required to increase public understanding of the unfulfilled needs and potential contributions of disabled persons; and

Whereas further progress should be made in the United States toward achieving the following long-term goals of and for disabled persons promoted during the International Year of Disabled Persons: (1) expanded educational opportunity; (2) improved access to housing, buildings, and transportation; (3) expanded employment opportunity, (4) expanded participation in recreational, social, and cultural activities; (5) expanded and strengthened rehabilitation programs and facilities; (6) purposeful application of biomedical research aimed at conquering major disabling conditions; (7) reduction in the incidence of disability by expanded accident and disease prevention; (8) expanded application of technology to minimize the effects of disability; and (9) expanded international exchange of information and experience to benefit all disabled persons; and

Whereas the United Nations is building upon the International Year of Disabled Persons momentum and is considering long-term initiatives to improve the lives of the world’s one-half billion disabled persons: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved February 26, 1982.