Washington schools to recognize disability history month with McAuliffe legislation

OLYMPIA – The significant contribution to our society by those with disabilities will be recognized each October in state colleges, universities and public schools under a plan by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, that passed the Senate Tuesday, 49-0.

McAuliffe, chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, sponsored Senate Bill 6313 after working with a student-led group, the Self Advocacy in Motion Project, to develop the legislation. The bill and the student group received broad support — from veterans groups to a variety of disability advocacy organizations.

“There is such a vast array of disabilities that many people face. This recognizes their amazing contributions and their place in our schools and our society,” McAuliffe said, “I really am pleased to be the sponsor of this bill.”

The legislation requires colleges and schools to present educational activities that promote and enhance understanding about disability history and people with disabilities through guest speakers, lectures and other programs during the national Disabilities History Month in October.

“This provides us the opportunity to recognize the gifts and talents those with disabilities have and how they can, and have, contributed to our schools, nation and world,” McAuliffe said.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

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