[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 90 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH 
                            DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to spread the word. I spread 
the word of the many thousands of successful people with disabilities 
who have benefitted from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and 
I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the tenth anniversary of 
this historic legislation.
  On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into 
law. The nation's handicapped community was presented with perhaps 
their most important legislation in the history of the United States. 
With the signing of this bill, handicapped individuals were given the 
opportunity and the access to have their incredible potential 
recognized. For ten years now, the ADA has extended the American dream 
to millions of Americans with disabilities. With this act, America has 
become a better nation.
  Paying tribute to this momentous event, I commemorate the Disability 
Coalition Movement of Cleveland in creating ``ADA Day--A Celebration''. 
In sponsoring this event, the communities of Northeast Ohio are 
recognizing the previous accomplishments of the ADA, and envisioning 
the future success that will inevitably come. By bringing together area 
disabled and non-disabled for a celebration, ADA Day will further 
encourage a dialogue of anti-discrimination. ADA Day will continue to 
spread the word for all to hear.
  Throughout my district and throughout our nation, handicapped 
individuals have impacted their neighborhoods. A message of awareness 
and understanding has been spread, and this message must only get 
louder.
  The tenth anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act is a time 
commemorating handicapped people and applauding events like ADA Day--A 
Celebration. My fellow colleagues, please join me in spreading this 
important word.

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