07.26.10
“Today, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we share in a very proud moment for this country.
“It wasn’t too long ago that people with disabilities were invisible, shut out and segregated by structural barriers that literally kept them out of buildings and off of public transportation. They were denied access to education and job opportunities. “We wrote the ADA to ensure America works for all Americans. The law broke down barriers, prohibited discrimination, promoted access and provided basic civil rights to people with disabilities. Over the past 20 years, people with disabilities have been able to access educational opportunities and employment. They’ve been able to use buildings, transportation, and communities that once presented huge obstacles. We have all seen how successful the law has been in providing people with disabilities full participation in society.
“While these improvements occurred, we also saw several court decisions erode the intent of the bill. Fortunately two years ago, with Majority Leader Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, we were able to work together again, in a bipartisan manner, to pass the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. These amendments restored the original intent of the ADA to ensure that the tens of millions of Americans with disabilities who want to work, attend school, and fully participate in our communities will have the chance to do so.
“It’s time for us to look to the future, to honor the successes of the past and build upon them to continue to increase the options of people with disabilities. We still have a long way to go to improve educational outcomes for all students, especially students with disabilities and to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I am committed to continuing this work, and I look forward to working with advocates, stakeholders, my colleagues in Congress and the Obama administration to ensure all people can reach their full potential.”
Chairman Miller Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today issued the following statement celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).“Today, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we share in a very proud moment for this country.
“It wasn’t too long ago that people with disabilities were invisible, shut out and segregated by structural barriers that literally kept them out of buildings and off of public transportation. They were denied access to education and job opportunities. “We wrote the ADA to ensure America works for all Americans. The law broke down barriers, prohibited discrimination, promoted access and provided basic civil rights to people with disabilities. Over the past 20 years, people with disabilities have been able to access educational opportunities and employment. They’ve been able to use buildings, transportation, and communities that once presented huge obstacles. We have all seen how successful the law has been in providing people with disabilities full participation in society.
“While these improvements occurred, we also saw several court decisions erode the intent of the bill. Fortunately two years ago, with Majority Leader Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, we were able to work together again, in a bipartisan manner, to pass the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. These amendments restored the original intent of the ADA to ensure that the tens of millions of Americans with disabilities who want to work, attend school, and fully participate in our communities will have the chance to do so.
“It’s time for us to look to the future, to honor the successes of the past and build upon them to continue to increase the options of people with disabilities. We still have a long way to go to improve educational outcomes for all students, especially students with disabilities and to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I am committed to continuing this work, and I look forward to working with advocates, stakeholders, my colleagues in Congress and the Obama administration to ensure all people can reach their full potential.”
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