The City of Houston is joining the United Nations today in recognizing December 3, 2020 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Mayor Turner issued the following statement:
“Earlier this year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark decision that has helped protect the rights and well-being of the disability community.
“Today we celebrate the accomplishments of all persons with disabilities including the late Dr. Margaret Nosek, who worked alongside UH graduate and father of the ADA Justin Dart as well as Houstonian Lex Frieden. Dr Nosek’s advocacy efforts and research led to improve the lives of people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities.
“Although much progress has been made since the passage of the ADA, more work remains. I want Houston, the most diverse city in America, to set the standard for access and inclusion in Texas and in the United States. Our City remains committed to ensuring that every Houstonian is able to continue to fully participate in all aspects of political, economic, and cultural life.”
“Over 215,000 people with disabilities call Houston home. Thanks to Mayor Turner’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion Houston is leading the way on creating the model of municipal accessibility for the rest of the country,” said Gabe Cazares, Director of Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. “On this International Day for Persons with Disabilities, I’m thrilled that the City of Houston continues to recognize the diversity of our local disability community.”
City Hall will light up purple tonight as the City of Houston joins the #PurpleLightUp global movement that celebrates the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world.