Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement today on the anniversary of the 20^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Today, Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) –the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress – became the first person in a wheelchair to preside over the House of Representatives.

“I am happy for my colleague, and I am thrilled for all Americans with disabilities, as this is symbolic of their rise from a time when our nation was essentially a maze of obstacles for them to maneuver, to today’s world when a person in a wheelchair can preside over the House.  Twenty years ago, our workplaces, transportation system, buildings and services were inaccessible to men and women with disabilities.  Today, independent living for the disabled is more the norm rather than the exception. 

“However, while progress has been astounding over the last two decades, there is still a lot of work to be done.  Too many facilities – including the Capitol itself – have to become more accommodating to people with disabilities.  Just like every civil rights effort in our nation’s history, it takes a long time for society to adapt.  I am proud to have voted for the Americans with Disabilities Act back in 1990, and I look forward to supporting more legislation in the future to enable all Americans to have equal rights under the law.”

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