Van Hollen Honors the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Washington,
Jul 26, 2010 -
Today, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement on the 20th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act:
“Today we mark the 20th anniversary of one of the most defining and effective civil rights laws passed by Congress – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“More than twenty years ago, Americans with disabilities were too often denied the opportunity to fully participate and integrate into our society due to intolerance and unfair stereotypes. Because of this discrimination, they encountered lower employment rates, lower graduation rates, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. With the ADA, new opportunities were open for millions of Americans with disabilities by making essential services such as housing, buildings, transportation, and other daily needs more accessible. Individuals with disabilities were given an opportunity to succeed in the workplace and in life.
“Though we have made progress in improving access in all aspects of life for Americans with disabilities, many continue to confront barriers that inhibit them from fully participating in our society by facing inequalities in education, transportation, housing and technology. We must continue to work to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not denied the opportunities that people without disabilities enjoy. Just a few years ago, Congress passed legislation in a bipartisan manner that restored the original intent of the ADA after the federal courts slowly chipped away at the broad protections of the law.
“The House is leading by example in honoring the ADA’s mission of inclusion and equal opportunity. Today, Representative Langevin is presiding over the House floor due to recent modifications to the Speaker’s Rostrum that enables him and all future Members in wheelchairs to do so. They haven’t been able to do so in the past. I congratulate Representative Langevin on this achievement and commend his hard work in making this day happen.
“As we celebrate the anniversary of a law that has transformed this country since 1990, let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that all Americans with disabilities live as independent, self-sufficient members of our society.”
Congressman Chris Van Hollen
