Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/511

 PUBLIC LAW 99-115—OCT. 4, 1985

99 STAT. 489

Public Law 99-115 99th Congress Joint Resolution To designate October 1985 as "Learning Disabilities Awareness Month".

Whereas millions of Americans suffer from 1 or more learning disabilities; Whereas it is estimated that 10,000,000 American children have been diagnosed as suffering from learning disabilities; Whereas most learning-disabled persons are of normal or above normal intelligence but cannot learn to read and write in the conventional manner; Whereas it is important for parents, educators, physicians, and learning-disabled persons to be aware of the nature of learning disabilities and the resources available to help learning-disabled persons; Whereas early diagnosis and treatment of learning-disabled children gives such children a better chance for a happy and productive adult life; Whereas the courage necessary for learning-disabled persons to meet their special challenges should be recognized; Whereas hundreds of national and local support groups for learningdisabled persons, parents of learning-disabled children, and professionals who work with learning-disabled persons have made important contributions to the treatment of learning disabilities; Whereas research and study have contributed to public knowledge about learning disabilities, but much remains to be learned; and Whereas public awareness of and concern about learning disabilities may encourage the establishment of the programs necessary to promote early diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities and to help learning-disabled persons and their families cope with their learning disabilities: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That October 1985 hereby is designated "Learning Disabilities Awareness Month", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all public officials and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Approved October 4, 1985.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 287 (S.J. Res. 191): CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): Sept. 19, considered and passed House. Sept. 23, considered and passed Senate.

Oct. 4, 1985 [H.J. Res. 287]

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