[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 150 (Thursday, October 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S12764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month, NDEAM. Designated by Congress, 
this month is observed every October to increase the public's 
understanding of issues involving individuals with disabilities and 
their role in America's workforce. It is a time for us to reflect on 
past gains and goals for the future as well.
  Seventeen years ago, I commended the passage of the landmark 
Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, to help ensure the rights of 
people with disabilities throughout various sectors of society. 
Together with other Federal laws like the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 
and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the ADA has been 
key to the progress made toward the full inclusion of people with 
disabilities in daily life. We see reasons to cheer today, as more 
people with disabilities succeed in school, enter the workforce, and 
participate in their communities.
  More remains to be done, however. When Nevadans with disabilities 
share their experiences with me, I hear many of the same struggles and 
challenges in their stories. Employment is an issue especially foremost 
on their minds, as it is for any person who wants to pursue the 
American dream. And like all Americans, individuals with disabilities 
deserve a fair shot to achieve as much success as their abilities and 
determination will allow.
  I am heartened that this sense is spreading throughout the general 
public, beyond those of us who see the positive contributions that 
Americans with disabilities make as employees and coworkers every day. 
Much of the increase in awareness is due to local organizations, such 
as Nevada JobConnect, Opportunity Village, the Southern Nevada Center 
for Independent Living, SNCIL, and the Northern Nevada Center for 
Independent Living. This year for example, SNCIL is partnering with the 
City of Las Vegas to sponsor the 16th Annual Disability Awareness Day 
on October 20. Similar events are expected to be held across the 
country in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness 
Month.
  While improving awareness is critical, especially for dispelling 
false stereotypes about people with disabilities, it isn't enough. 
Disparities on a wide range of economic and social dimensions point to 
significant barriers that remain for people with disabilities who want 
a good job to give them not just an income, but also dignity and 
independence. From listening to my constituents in Nevada, I also know 
that the incentives between employment, health care benefits, and 
eligibility for government-sponsored programs can interact in very 
problematic ways.
  I supported the passage of new laws to address these issues, such as 
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act to give people 
with disabilities greater access to Medicaid or Medicare coverage when 
they go to work. I was also pleased when Congress passed the Family 
Opportunity Act to allow more children with disabilities to enroll in 
Medicaid, thereby alleviating an unfair pressure on their parents to 
forgo better jobs just to keep their family health coverage. Looking 
ahead to the future, I will continue working to make sure that people 
with disabilities can access the health care they need, especially as 
they seek to move to economic self-sufficiency. We should not lose 
sight of other key priorities as well, including opening more doors to 
education and expanding employment opportunities for those able to 
work.
  As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month this 
year, let us reaffirm the importance of its ideals and goals. From 
employers to policymakers, family members to people with disabilities 
themselves, all Americans can join in the effort to ensure that 
individuals with disabilities make the most of their potential--in the 
workplace and in all areas of society.

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