Michigan House adopts resolution declaring March Disability Awareness Month

Lansing — The Michigan House adopted House Resolution 42 on March 13, declaring March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month in Michigan.

Representative McDonald, who introduced the resolution, said the month is intended to educate the public and celebrate the lives of people with disabilities while calling attention to barriers they face. “This month is for educating people about and celebrating the lives of those with disabilities from the joys to the struggles and everything in between,” McDonald said. “It’s about combating discrimination in schools, public spaces, and in the workplace, advocating for a more inclusive and accessible society.”

McDonald cited a statewide figure, saying “over 2,300,000 Michigan adults live with disabilities,” and warned against proposed cuts to Medicaid, saying, “Cutting Medicaid by $880,000,000,000 will leave our loved ones unaided, at home, and isolated.” The resolution does not itself change Medicaid funding; it declares a month of awareness and urges legislative attention to inclusion and access.

The House adopted the resolution by voice vote when the chair called for adoption. The resolution was introduced on the floor and presented for adoption without amendment; the clerk announced the adoption after members responded to the chair’s call for ayes.

Representative McDonald said the Americans with Disabilities Act provides a baseline for inclusivity but urged legislators to “consciously strive to raise the bar so more people are welcomed in our communities.”

The resolution will be filed in the House records and is primarily symbolic; no implementing actions or funding were included in the text read on the floor.