The South Georgia city of Tifton is calling on all branches of its government and its citizens to acknowledge the value that qualified, skilled candidates with disabilities add to the workforce. An official Proclamation comes as the country recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The language of that Proclamation, signed by Mayor Julie B. Smith and City Clerk Jessica White reads as follows:

WHEREAS: Each year during the month of October, the City of Tifton joins the Nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the abilities and accomplishments of workers with disabilities and to acknowledge the efforts made to enhance opportunity and equal employment for individuals with disabilities through legislation, one example being the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and

WHEREAS: Although we have made much progress since the signing of the ADA, significant challenges will remain for people with disabilities, such as this group having one of the highest unemployment rates of any in the Nation; and

WHEREAS: As a community, we are growing stronger when each person feels the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work, dedicated to ensuring that all residents with disabilities can live life fully with greater opportunities and independence through advocacy, support, and technological advancements, and will continue to take action to promote equal employment for individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS: By recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we need to build a community free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination to strengthen and expand the educational opportunities, along with ensuring that everyone receives appropriate training to prepare them for future success; and

WHEREAS: Agencies, such as Diversified Enterprises and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, continue to promote Employment First and work with community leaders, employers and citizens with disabilities and their families to expand the range of supports to increase opportunities for employment; and

WHEREAS: Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy;

NOW THEREFORE: I, Julie Smith, Mayor of the City of Tifton, on behalf of the Tifton City Council, do hereby proclaim October 2018 as "Disability Employment Awareness Month" for the City of Tifton;

And I call on all our citizens to celebrate the contributions of individuals to our workplaces and community, as well as promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better and more inclusive community, one in which every person is rightly recognized for their abilities and accomplishments. Furthermore, I urge employers as they seek to fill positions to embrace the richness of our community's diversity by considering the talents of all workers, including workers with disabilities.

Given under my Hand and the Seal of the City of Tifton this 1st day of October 2018.