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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2016-2591 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2016-759 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF • SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS, AND URGING ACTION BY NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES, AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the prevalence rate of Autism makes the disorder one of the most common developmental disabilities, yet most of the public, and professionals in the medical, educational and vocational fields are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with the disability; and WHEREAS, approximately 1 in 68 children have an autism spectrum disorder according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and approximately 1 in 5 individuals have a disability according to the 2010 U.S. Census; and WHEREAS, it is the goal of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach to inform the public about the exceptional and varied profiles of individuals with autism, the contributions they make, and challenges they face in school, the community, and the workplace; and WHEREAS, the United States of America is a signatory of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which supports inclusion and accommodation of children and adults with special needs and disabilities; and WHEREAS, the Convention has identified the following core principles of inclusion: a. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons; b. Non-discrimination; c. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society; d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disability as part of human diversity and humanity; e. Equality and opportunity; f. Accessibility; g. Equality between men and women; h. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities; and WHEREAS, inclusion is an attitude, an approach and a mindset, which welcomes and facilitates participation by those with disabilities and special needs and encourages accommodations beyond those required by law. Declaring Principles of Inclusion for individuals with Autism I of 2 1 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The foregoing "Whereas" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution upon adoption hereof Section 2. Declaration of Principles. The City of Sunny Isles Beach expresses its commitment to the principle of inclusion of children and adults with special needs and disabilities in all aspects of its governance and services, and seeks to welcome and facilitate such participation. Section 3. Directives of Business, Developers. Homeowners and Condominium Associations. The City urges businesses to express their commitment to the principle of inclusion both in employment and commerce. The City also urges developers, homeowner associations, and condominium associations to adopt policies supporting the principle of inclusion in residential communities. The City urges universities and other places of learning to prioritize programs supporting inclusion of individuals with special needs and disabilities. Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective . so . adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15ay of September 21 6. George " . Scholl, Mayor AT<T-L -7 . , r � i _E. r . Jane A. Hine , MNIC, City Clerk S t) APPRO D.AS TO FORM • • D L I SUFFICIENCY: ttinot, City Attorney Moved by: t Seconded by: Nits¢ -(- Vote: G-Q Mayor Scholl ✓(Yes) (No) Vice Mayor Gatto V(Yes) (No) Commissioner Aelion L/(Yes) (No) Commissioner Goldman ✓ (Yes) (No) Commissioner Levin —7-(Yes) (No) Declaring Principles of Inclusion for individuals with Autism 2 of 2 Nu� '= City of Sunny Isles Beach tea, _'y , � ti,1 \T., 18070 Collins Avenue 5 _r = Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 s P ` " - '0.1;,,-e (305)947-0606 City Hall C,'4 os s,,+ ''''o (305)949-3113 Fax MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commission VIA: Christopher J. Russo, City Manager FROM: Vice Mayor Jeanette Gatto DATE: 9/15/2016 Resolution Declaring Principles of Inclusion for RE' Individuals with Autism RECOMMENDATION: This Resolution is recommended for approval. REASONS: Autism is a common development disability which impacts children and adults in this community and other communities in the United States. Too often individuals with autism are not provided the support system which is needed to provide them with a better quality of life. The City of Sunny Isles Beach has taken steps over the years to provide access to programs and services to individuals with autism. Therefore, I am asking my colleagues on this Commission to approve this resolution to promote the core principles of inclusion for individuals with autism. ATTACHMENTS: Description Resolution Item Number: 10.M. 353