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ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, Words are powerful and have the ability to influence the inclusion of discriminated individuals by acting as a catalyst towards the elimination of stereotypes that can be disrespectful, dehumanizing, and adverse to one's equality and dignity; and
WHEREAS, Over the past year, the City of Chicago ("City") has especially demonstrated the importance of unlearning harmful narratives, behaviors, and language through the passage of several legislations resulting in equity and better inclusivity for all Chicagoans; and
WHEREAS, "Inclusion" has been defined as authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into the process, activities, and decisions/policy-making, in a way that shares power; and
WHEREAS, The "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" is annually recognized on December 3rd and promotes the dedication to the long-term work needed to protect the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society; and
WHEREAS, Everyday, Including December 3rd, the City can demonstrate such charge through the usage of "person-first language" because A PERSON IS NOT a disability, condition, or diagnosis-A PERSON HAS a disability, condition, or diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, In 2017, the ADA Knowledge Translation Center stated within their 'Guidelines on People with Disabilities' that 'handicapped' was an "outdated,and unacceptable term to use when referring to individuals or accessible environments"; and
WHEREAS, Replacement of discriminatory and offensive language such as "handicap" or "handicapped" within the Municipal Code of Chicago and other City operated platforms, including public distributions, demonstrates the City's continued commitment in furtherance of disability advocacy for Chicagoans; and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State has evidenced their allegiance to people-first and/or object identifying language within their "Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities"...
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