[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the National Constitution Center in 
Philadelphia, which opened on July 4, 2003, is the first and only 
nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the world's oldest and 
most respected framework for democratic government: the Constitution of 
the United States. Located on historic Independence Mall, the center is 
many things: an interactive museum, a national town hall, and a civic 
hub for millions of visitors from around the world. It inspires active 
citizenship by shining a spotlight on our great constitutional 
principles, ideals, and freedoms.
  This Saturday, the center's main exhibition, which is called ``The 
Story of We the People,'' is inaugurating an important new addition: 
the wheelchair used by disability-rights advocate Justin Dart, Jr., 
when he was present alongside President George H.W. Bush at the signing 
of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. Mr. Dart used 
that wheelchair on countless other occasions as he advocated for 
passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and to secure for people 
with disabilities the civil rights that all Americans hold sacred.
  This wonderful new addition to the National Constitution Center will 
serve as a symbol of freedom for all Americans. The wheelchair will 
remind visitors of the visionary leadership and inspired advocacy of 
Justin Dart, Jr., and the courageous struggle of all those in the 
disability rights movement who fought to pass the ADA, one of the great 
civil rights laws of the 20th century, often referred to as the 
Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities.
  Twenty-two years ago today, as President Bush signed the ADA into 
law, he said: ``Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come 
tumbling down.'' I was present at that White House ceremony, and I 
vividly remember the joy and pride on Justin Dart's face as he sat 
aside the President. As of this Saturday, visitors to the National 
Constitution Center, when they view Justin Dart's wheelchair and 
accompanying photos, will be able to relive that great moment and 
milestone in our Nation's history.

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