HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JULY 2026 AS "DISABILITY AWARENESS AND DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 9 co-sponsors

Designates July 2026 as Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month to honor the ADA and urges inclusive, accessible actions across Rhode Island.

06/11/2026 House read and passed

Summary of HR 8629 (Rhode Island) – Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month

Purpose and Intent

Proclaims July 2026 as “Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month” in Rhode Island.

Honors the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 2026.

Reaffirms Rhode Island’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for residents with disabilities.

Key Provisions

Formal Declaration: The Rhode Island House of Representatives designates July 2026 as Disability Awareness and Disability Pride Month.

Commemorative Language: Recognizes the ADA’s role in prohibiting discrimination and promoting accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion, while acknowledging ongoing barriers in various sectors.

Encouragement to Act: Calls on all Rhode Islanders—individuals, businesses, schools, community organizations, and government agencies—to recognize the month by promoting accessibility, advancing inclusion, celebrating contributions of people with disabilities, and fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity.

Certification and Transmission: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Tina Guenette, CEO/Founder/President of Real Access Motivates Progress (R.A.M.P.).

Who Is Affected

Broad public scope including residents of Rhode Island with disabilities, as well as: businesses, schools, community organizations, and state and local government agencies.

The resolution emphasizes the societal and economic contributions of people with disabilities and seeks to promote an inclusive environment across all sectors.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction Date: June 11, 2026.

Legislative Action: Read and passed by the Rhode Island House on June 11, 2026.

No funding or regulatory mandates are included in the text; the action is a ceremonial/awareness proclamation.

Official transmission to a designated disability advocacy organization (R.A.M.P.) for acknowledgment and potential collaboration.

Potential Impact

Symbolic and aspirational impact by elevating disability awareness and pride within the state.

Encourages public and private actors to adopt inclusive practices and accessibility improvements.

May serve as a catalyst for local events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts aligned with ADA principles.

Complements ongoing accessibility efforts by reaffirming state commitment and providing a formal platform for recognition and celebration.

Overall, HR 8629 is a ceremonial resolution that formally designates a month to celebrate Disability Awareness and Disability Pride, honors the ADA anniversary, and urges statewide action to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for Rhode Island residents with disabilities.