[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 116 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, twenty-one years ago on July 26, 1990, the 
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted with complete bi-
partisan support; opening doors that were once shut and enabling 
persons with disabilities to go to work, movies, take public 
transportation and enjoy everyday activities with dignity. Where 
physical and mental difficulties once served as barriers, countless 
numbers of employment and educational opportunities are now available 
as a result of this important piece of legislation.
  I am proud to recognize the great work of The Harlem Independent 
Living Center in my congressional district in Manhattan, an 
organization that emerged under the ADA, and offers invaluable services 
for the disabled community such as counseling, training, and job 
referrals. Under the leadership of Ms. Christina Curry, who heads the 
center, all disabled New Yorkers have access to these services and the 
organization works tirelessly to make sure that businesses abide by the 
ADA.
  While there is much to be proud of, we must do more to better 
accommodate the disabled community. Compared to the national 
unemployment rate of 9.2%, a disproportionate 16.9% of our disabled 
Americans are currently unemployed. At a time when we are relying more 
heavily on advanced technology and Internet services, our hearing and 
visually impaired are being left behind. Worse, the cuts proposed under 
the Republican agenda take away vital support services, including 
Social Security, which is relied on by 55 million people with 
disabilities.
  I will continue to fight to ensure that all Americans, regardless of 
background, ethnicity or physical or mental capabilities have the same 
opportunities to enjoy the American Dream. We owe it to one out of five 
Americans with a disability, including 16,000 residents in my district, 
who are counting on Congress to be there for them.

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