[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AFTER 20 YEARS

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, last month we marked the 20th anniversary of 
the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to this 
law's enactment, disabled Americans experienced discrimination in 
almost all aspects of society. They were denied educational 
opportunities and employment, denied access to buildings and 
transportation, and denied basic civil rights.
  In passing the ADA in 1990, Congress strove to provide to people with 
disabilities full participation in society, defeating the false 
stereotype that they would not be able to live and work independently 
and self-sufficiently. Today, more than 50 million Americans with 
physical or mental impairments legally are protected from 
discrimination in the areas of employment, public accommodation, public 
services, transportation, and telecommunications. Two years ago, we 
strengthened the ADA by passing legislation broadening coverage to 
individuals with disabilities who had been excluded from protection as 
a result of several Supreme Court decisions.
  Our Nation has come a long way since the passage of the ADA. Prior to 
the law's enactment, even the halls of Congress were not accessible to 
disabled Americans. On the 20th anniversary of the passage of the ADA, 
Congressman Langevin (RI-02), the first quadriplegic to serve in 
Congress, presided over the House, marking the first time a Member in a 
wheelchair ever has presided over the House of Representatives.
  I have heard some comment that the Speaker's platform was specially 
modified to accommodate Representative Langevin. When we made it 
possible for Representative Langevin to preside over the House, we were 
not accommodating an individual--we were realizing the dream that any 
American, regardless of their circumstances, can preside over ``the 
people's House.'' The same point can be made with regard to 
construction and modifications in some schools to comply with the ADA. 
I have heard school officials comment that an expensive change was made 
for a particular student. I react strongly against that way of 
thinking. We should all remember that the changes should not rest on a 
single student; rather, they are part of our ongoing attempt to provide 
full equality of opportunity in our great country.

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