[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago, landmark civil rights 
legislation--the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-- was enacted to 
provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination 
of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
  As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, we reaffirm the simple premise--and the law of the 
land--that every American has the right to live independently and to 
fully participate in all aspects of our society.
  We also celebrate the hard-fought victories that have resulted in 
social inclusion so that individuals with disabilities will not be 
isolated and living separate lives. However, we would be remiss to 
think that all the barriers are behind us or that we are close to 
meeting the goals of the ADA.
  Complete implementation of ADA policies is necessary, so that 
individuals with disabilities can obtain jobs for which they qualify. 
Full and equal access for individuals with disabilities in regards to 
education, governmental services, public accommodations, 
transportation, housing, and the right to vote must also be secured.
  Let us remember, that this 15th commemoration of the ADA is our call 
to renew our efforts, to realize the promise of the ADA and to continue 
to work towards the restoration of full protections for disabled 
Americans.

                          ____________________