[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               H. RES. 1355, SUPPORT DISABILITY PRIDE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 1355, a resolution to support the goals and ideals 
of Disability Pride Day.
  Over 18 years ago Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act 
into law to end discrimination against and provide equal opportunities 
for people living with disabilities. It was a historic and proud day 
for the United States. The significant contributions to American life, 
our economy and every aspect of our society by people with disabilities 
deserve to be recognized and honored. While great strides have been 
made to ensure all rights for people living with disabilities are 
respected, we must always celebrate the victories and act with 
vigilance and determination to protect, defend and advance those 
rights.
  This resolution expresses support for Disability Pride Day, and 
acknowledges the efforts of Chicago's 5th Annual Disability Pride 
Parade organizers for raising awareness for the needs of those with 
disabilities. It also urges public officials and the general public to 
support and encourage understanding of persons with disabilities.
  We need to help support and encourage understanding of persons with 
disabilities in schools, the workforce, and in our communities. It is 
unacceptable that only one-third of Americans with disabilities are 
employed and people with disabilities are three times more likely to 
live in poverty. I believe all Americans should have the opportunity to 
achieve economic independence, which is why I support efforts to 
improve employment programs for individuals with disabilities. I also 
believe every child deserves a quality and affordable education, and we 
must ensure that our schools are adequately funded to promise a fair 
education for all children with disabilities. I support full funding 
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, which is why I 
introduced the Achieving Our IDEA Act, H.R. 1896. This bill will help 
ensure that the Federal Government contributes 40 percent to the cost 
of educating children with special needs.
  This year Congress also took action to ensure the rights of those 
with disabilities. The ADA Amendments Act, of which I was a cosponsor, 
passed the House with overwhelming support on June 25, 2008. This bill 
protects individuals from employment discrimination in the workplace 
for those who can and want to work, and restores the original intent of 
Congress. All Americans should be able to live and work in their 
communities without fear of being discriminated against.
  All people have the right to be active, contributing members of our 
society and fully engaged citizens. I will continue to support efforts 
to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and celebrate 
Disability Pride Day.

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