PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18-24, 2026, AS “INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK”.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Russ Huxtable and 8 co-sponsors

Delaware Senate proclaims October 18-24, 2026 as Invisible Disabilities Week to raise awareness and promote inclusion for non-visible health conditions.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Overview

Bill: SR 23

Session: 153

Jurisdiction: Delaware Senate

Title: Proclaiming the Week of October 18-24, 2026, as “Invisible Disabilities Week”

Status: Introduced and passed by the Senate (June 18, 2026); votes: 21 YES

Sponsorship: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsors include Dave Wilson, Nicole Poore, Jack Walsh, Brian Pettyjohn, Claire Snyder-Hall, Spiros Mantzavinos, Russ Huxtable, Laura Sturgeon, Melanie Ross Levin

Purpose and Intent

The resolution seeks a formal proclamation by the Delaware Senate recognizing October 18-24, 2026 as Invisible Disabilities Week.

The aim is to raise awareness about invisible disabilities and promote understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals who live with conditions not readily visible to others (e.g., chronic pain, neurological conditions, mental health challenges, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, etc.).

Key Provisions

Declaration: The Senate would officially proclaim a one-week period in October 2026 as Invisible Disabilities Week.

Purpose statements: Likely to include a message highlighting the importance of awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging accommodations and accessibility.

Observance guidance: May encourage state government agencies, organizations, and the public to observe the week through education, outreach, and participation in events or activities that promote awareness.

Note: The text provided specifies the proclamation but does not outline detailed programs, funding, or mandated actions. Proclamations are typically symbolic gestures that invite awareness and engagement rather than creating enforceable duties.

Affected Parties

General public: Increases visibility and understanding of invisible disabilities within the Delaware community.

Individuals with invisible disabilities: Potentially benefit from greater awareness, social support, and encouragement of inclusive practices in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

State and local organizations: May be encouraged to host events, provide educational materials, or collaborate with advocacy groups during the proclamation week.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Introduced and subsequently passed by the Senate on June 18, 2026.

No additional procedural steps are provided in the summary (e.g., House action, signing by the Governor). Proclamations typically proceed through the legislative chambers and are forwarded to the executive branch for formal acknowledgment.

Effective date: The proclamation applies specifically to October 18-24, 2026.

Practical Impact

Symbolic affirmations like SR 23 can foster public dialogue about invisible disabilities and promote inclusive practices.

May lead to designated events, educational campaigns, or partnerships with advocacy groups during the proclaimed week.

Lacks funding authorization or enforceable mandates; impact depends on engagement by communities, organizations, and public agencies.

Summary

SR 23 is a Senate resolution in Delaware that formally proclaims October 18-24, 2026 as Invisible Disabilities Week. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage inclusive practices for people with non-visible health conditions. The measure has bipartisan co-sponsors and has passed the Senate as of June 18, 2026. Further actions (e.g., House passage or gubernatorial endorsement) would determine its final status and any ancillary activities during the proclaimed week.