Proclamation

WHEREAS, more than 55 years ago, a small group of parents, working against enormous odds fighting for
the dignity of their children, created the organization that would be known as Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara,
the Niagara County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. They left a legacy that has changed the course of history for
individuals who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Niagara
County, and

WHEREAS, at present, the more than 800 participants with Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara are
contributing members of Niagara County, providing employers with qualified dependable workers, earning a
paycheck doing assembly work in the pre-vocational training programs, learning life skills in day habilitation
classes, volunteering hundreds of hours a year at not-for-profits in Niagara and Erie counties, spend their
paychecks at area businesses, enjoy community-based recreation and residential opportunities; live independently
in our neighborhoods and vote, and

WHEREAS, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a not-for-profit United Way agency, that receives critical
funding from Medicaid, provides children, teens, adults and seniors, in Niagara County, a future that will bring
them the equality and fulfillment as full citizens in their own right, and

WHEREAS, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara excels in assuring that people who have intellectual and
other developmental disabilities are provided progressive, quality services and supports through a system based on
the cooperation and dedication of parents, family members, and the more than 500 devoted employees who have
worked together to achieve dignity and respect for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for
decades,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Niagara County Legislature does hereby proclaim
March 2011 as:

“DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH”

celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in
Niagara County and urge all citizens to observe this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set

my hand and the official seal of the Niagara
County Legislature the 15th day of February 2011.

________________________________________
WILLIAM L. ROSS, CHAIRMAN
NIAGARA COUNTY LEGISLATURE

________________________________________
PETER E. SMOLINSKI, 10TH DISTRICT
NIAGARA COUNTY LEGISLATURE