[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT

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                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the 
anniversary of the passage of the American Disabilities Act, which was 
signed into law on July 26, 1990.
   The passage and signing of the Act represent the culmination of many 
years of hard work and advocacy by countless differently abled 
individuals, their families, and allies. It is unbelievable that until 
only thirty-nine years ago, there were no laws in place to protect the 
civil rights of some of our communities' most vulnerable populations. 
The American Disabilities Act provides important protections in 
workplaces, schools, transportation, and all public and private places 
that are open to the general public.
   We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who toiled to bring 
awareness and visibility to the people who were once disincluded or 
segregated from public life, due to physical barriers or due to the 
stigma of misconception. We still have a long way to go to ensure 
equity for the differently abled, but we can support and acknowledge 
the organizations that are advocating, educating, and protecting.
   I therefore rise today to mark the anniversary of the American 
Disabilities Act.

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