[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 104 (Friday, July 26, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7434-S7435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 310--HONORING JUSTIN W. DART, JR., AS A CHAMPION OF 
              THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

  Mr. HARKIN (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hatch, and Mr. Gregg) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 310

       Whereas Justin W. Dart, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois 
     in 1930;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. has been recognized as a pioneer 
     and leader in the disability rights movement;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. operated successful businesses in 
     the United States and Japan;
       Whereas 5 Presidents, 5 Governors, and Congress have seen 
     fit to appoint Justin Dart, Jr. to leadership positions 
     within the area of disability policy, including Vice Chairman 
     of the National Council on Disability, Commissioner of the 
     Rehabilitation Services Administration, Chairperson of the 
     President's Committee on Employment of People with 
     Disabilities, and Chairperson of the Congressional Task Force 
     on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. was a civil rights activist for 
     individuals with disabilities since he was stricken with 
     polio in 1948 and played a leadership role in numerous civil 
     rights marches across the country;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. worked tirelessly to secure 
     passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which 
     was signed into law by President Bush, and is often 
     recognized as a major driving force behind the disability 
     rights movement and that landmark legislation;
       Whereas on January 15, 1998, President Clinton awarded the 
     Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian 
     award, to Justin Dart, Jr.
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. has left a powerful legacy as a 
     civil rights advocate and his actions have benefited the 
     people of the United States;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. is not only remembered for his 
     advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities, 
     but also for his energetic spirit and for the formal and 
     informal independent living skills programs for individuals 
     with disabilities that he supported; and
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. passed away at his home on June 
     22, 2002, and is survived by his wife, Yoshiko Dart, 5 
     daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren: Now, 
     therefore, be it

[[Page S7435]]

       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes Justin W. Dart, Jr. as one of the true 
     champions of the rights of individuals with disabilities and 
     for his many contributions to the Nation throughout his 
     lifetime;
       (2) honors Justin W. Dart, Jr. for his tireless efforts to 
     improve the lives of individuals with disabilities; and
       (3) recognizes that the achievements of Justin W. Dart, Jr. 
     have inspired and encouraged millions of individuals with 
     disabilities in the United States to overcome obstacles and 
     barriers so that the individuals can lead more independent 
     and successful lives.

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