Henry County supervisors will take part in the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Disability Rights and Resource Center, with a commemoration during their Tuesday regular session, 3 p.m. at the Henry County Administrative Building.
The DRRC serves as a bridge between organizations and residents with disabilities. The organization’s mission statement is to help disabled individuals lead independent lives.
Congress paved the way for the agency’s creation in 1988 when it designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This was in an effort to shed light on the issue of employment among disabled Americans and part of a push to convince companies not to exclude disabled individuals from potential employment.
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act ensured the civil rights of disabled individuals. The county’s proclamation credits the ADA with the creation of agencies like DRRC.
“The ADA opened doors to opportunity and independence for people with disabilities and expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing opportunities for full participation and inclusion in community life,” reads part of the proclamation.
Founded in Rocky Mount, the DRRC has also served individuals and families living in the Piedmont Region through satellite offices in Danville and Martinsville.
Supervisors plan to commemorate the anniversary with a proclamation, and to designate Nov. 12 as Disability Rights and Resource Center Awareness Day in Henry County.
Henry County’s regular sessions are open to the public.
