TITLE: Honoring Volar Center for Independent Living in El Paso on the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

SUMMARY: Honoring Volar Center for Independent Living in El Paso on the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, July 26, 2015, marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and this important observance provides a fitting opportunity to recognize Volar Center for Independent Living (CIL) in El Paso and its notable efforts to advance the rights, dignity, and aspirations of persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Established in 1981, Volar CIL is an organization of and for persons with disabilities, with the mission to advocate for human and civil rights and community options and to empower individuals with disabilities to live the lives they choose; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Volar CIL has been shaped by proactive El Pasoans with disabilities who together have provided leadership and advocacy regarding public policy issues significant to the community of persons with disabilities who live in the West Texas and United States-Mexico border regions, including the development of a city ordinance outlawing discrimination against citizens with disabilities, which was enacted on August 8, 1989, one year before the passage of the ADA; in the aftermath of the 1999 Supreme Court ruling that abolished the unjustified institutional isolation and segregation of people with disabilities, Volar CIL has assisted over 400 El Pasoans in transitioning into the community-based homes of their choice; and WHEREAS, Volar CIL has led the community in persuading the commissioners court and city council to reexamine their governmental plans for compliance with the ADA, and it was instrumental in bringing about the city's 2011 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and the county's hiring of an ADA coordinator; its ongoing efforts are focused on securing the future of El Paso residents with disabilities by engaging in opportunities that will continue to protect and enhance their human and civil rights, which include the Building Community Capacity Program and the adoption of the nationwide Youth Leadership Forum; and WHEREAS, The commitment of everyone associated with Volar CIL to the cause of equality has greatly benefited innumerable groups of persons with disabilities and made their community a more inclusive place to live, and thus, Volar Center for Independent Living indeed merits special recognition for its many commendable achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby honor Volar Center for Independent Living and extend sincere best wishes to all those involved with the organization for continued success with their important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Volar CIL as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Moody Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3093 was adopted by the House on May 30, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House