[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 156 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14284-S14285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I strongly support the current 
reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Act, and I commend 
Senator Jeffords for his leadership in making this reauthorization a 
priority.
  I also commend the members of the Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions Committee and the administration for their leadership in 
developing this bipartisan bill. I especially want to recognize Tom 
Harkin for his leadership and continued commitment to individuals with 
disabilities. I also commend all the staff members for their skillful 
work to make this process successful.
  Today, I particularly want to take this opportunity to say thank you 
to my sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her many years of extraordinary 
dedication and commitment to children and adults with mental 
retardation and their families. Had it not been for her vision and 
commitment on behalf of people with mental retardation, the 
Developmental Disabilities Act would not be the impressive success it 
is today.
  For many years, since the Developmental Disabilities Act was first 
signed into law by President Kennedy in 1963, developmental 
disabilities programs in the states have worked effectively to improve 
the lives of children and adults with mental retardation and other 
developmental disabilities. The act serves as the foundation for a 
network of programs that offer them real choices on where to live, 
work, go to school, and participate in community life.
  Through these programs, the 4 million individuals with mental 
retardation and other developmental disabilities are able to obtain the 
support they need to participate in all aspects of the community. They 
receive needed assistance in education, and early intervention efforts 
are used to provide appropriate health care services and support.
  For millions of Americans these services can mean the difference 
between dependence and independence, between lost potential and 
becoming contributing and participating members of their communities.
  Throughout the preparation of this legislation, we have listened to 
consumers, advocates, families, and program administrators--all of whom 
have

[[Page S14285]]

contributed significantly to this legislation. Their commitment to 
constructive compromise will improve the lives and choices of all 
people with disabilities and their families.
  This reauthorization builds on the gains of the past three decades, 
while addressing critical and emerging needs of individuals with 
disabilities.
  It improves the accountability of the programs under the Act by 
emphasizing better coordination, and by concentrating on activities 
related to child care, health care, housing, transportation, and 
recreation;
  It offers wider training opportunities by strengthening the network 
of university centers that provide technical assistance to persons with 
disabilities, to their families, and to service providers across the 
country;
  It supports stronger protection and advocacy services to prevent 
abuse and neglect, so that people with disabilities can live safely;
  It targets funds for the development of statewide self-advocacy 
organizations, so that people with disabilities will have a stronger 
voice in determining their lives and their future;
  It helps states to develop support programs for families with a 
disabled family member, so that living at home and becoming part of the 
community is a real choice for persons with disabilities; and
  It provides funds to develop a new educational curriculum and 
establish scholarship opportunities for support workers who assist 
people with developmental disabilities.
  This bill gives us an excellent opportunity to do more to keep the 
promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act--by ensuring that 
individuals with mental retardation and other significant developmental 
disabilities, and their families, have realistic opportunities to 
obtain the support and services they need to reach their dream of being 
contributing members of their communities.
  Disabled people are not unable. We are a better and stronger and 
fairer country when we open the door of choice and opportunity to all 
Americans, and enable them to be full partners in the American dream. 
For countless persons with mental retardation and other developmental 
disabilities across the country, this legislation will continue to help 
to make that dream come true.
  This bill deserves the support of every Member of Congress, and I 
look forward to its prompt enactment into law.

                          ____________________