[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, as many of my colleagues know, this 
week is the 8th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act. I would like to take a moment to remember this 
pivotal moment in the history of our nation's disabled community.
  As one of the principal sponsors of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act (ADA), I am proud of the array of opportunities which have been 
opened by this law for millions of our citizens with disabilities, 
setting a standard of inclusion for the world. In the eight years since 
the ADA was enacted, our nation has become more accessible for people 
with a broad array of disabilities, who now have greater opportunities 
than ever before. This law has empowered millions of disabled Americans 
with both the confidence and the tools necessary to live an independent 
and fulfilling life.
  We must continue working together to ensure that the laudable goals 
of the ADA are achieved efficiently, equitably, and amicably. 
Continuing fair and reasonable implementation of this essential law 
will ensure that all people with disabilities have the opportunity to 
achieve their full potential. I look forward to a day when all 
Americans are rewarded for their abilities, not punished for their 
disabilities, and when Americans with disabilities face no barriers to 
achieving their highest goals.
  While some problems have occurred during the implementation of the 
ADA, most Americans have responded positively and creatively to this 
important, but sometimes complicated law. I remain committed to working 
with both public and private entities in their efforts to implement the 
ADA as intended at its creation.
  It is my firm belief that the ADA has helped demystify the world of 
disabilities and break down many barriers which have traditionally 
existed for the disabled. It has educated our nation and the world 
about the capabilities of all disabled individuals and achieved major 
transformations in society. I remain supportive of the achievements of 
the ADA and all that it has done for our nation over the past eight 
years, and I look forward to a future free of obstacles for all 
Americans.

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