07.24.15

Scott Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

 

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott issued the following statement commemorating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990 – 25 years ago this Sunday. As a member of the Virginia Senate, Ranking Member Scott was involved in the passage of the Virginians with Disabilities Act of 1985. The Virginia law preceded the federal statute, and demonstrated how persons with disabilities could effectively be integrated into society.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act opened public spaces, employment and educational opportunities to people with disabilities. The ADA, enacted with bipartisan support, was signed into law on the principle of inclusion and the promise of expanding access to equal opportunities for all. The law broke down barriers, prohibited discrimination, promoted access and provided basic civil rights to people with disabilities.  It was the most significant federal civil rights legislation since the civil rights laws of the 1960s.

“Over the past 25 years, Americans with disabilities have been able to access expanded educational opportunities and employment. They have been able to use buildings, transportation, and public accommodations that once presented huge obstacles. While we acknowledge this great advancement in equality for all, there is still much work to do.

 

“As we mark this anniversary, we must look to the future, to honor the successes of the past and build upon them to continue to increase opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Americans with disabilities still face significant discrimination in the job market. Only 20 percent of people with disabilities participate in the workforce. Of the complaints received by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year, nearly 29 percent were disability-based. We need to continue to break down the actual and perceived barriers that inhibit the full participation of workers with disabilities in our economy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to fully integrate people with disabilities into all aspects of daily life.”

 

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