[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 141 (Friday, August 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING EMMANUEL SMITH AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 7, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, 30 years ago--on July 26, 1990--the 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting 
discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all facets of 
life ranging from employment and transportation to public 
accommodations and government services.
  That is why today, in light of the anniversary of this revolutionary 
legislation, I rise to ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing Emmanuel Smith, Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries 
of Social Security advocate at Disability Rights Iowa, as this week's 
Iowan of the Week.
  Emmanuel was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle 
Bone Disease, which causes his bones to break easily. Disability rights 
is a critical aspect of his life--and he's turned to giving back to 
this community and advocated on their behalf as his driving force. 
Emmanuel also found inspiration from meeting our Senator, Tom Harkin, 
the author and chief sponsor of the ADA, at its 10-year anniversary 
celebration.
  After graduating from Drake University, Emmanuel began working for 
Disability Rights Iowa. He works hard to ensure others don't have to 
face the same difficulties that he has in the past, and seeks to take 
down barriers to employment and fight workplace discrimination against 
individuals with disabilities.
  Emmanuel's role within DRI has evolved as they address the additional 
challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emmanuel stepped up to the 
challenge and continues to fight for equitable employment services by 
teaching people about their rights in the context of working during a 
pandemic.
  Emmanuel attributes many of the opportunities he's had to the ADA, 
claiming that without its protections, his life would look very 
different.
  Without the ADA, he would not have had access to traditional 
education in high school or college. Accessible busing and 
Paratransit--services Emmanuel and many others rely on so they may 
travel independently--would not be possible if not for the ADA.
  But while Emmanuel believes that the ADA has given people the 
possibility not to be restricted by their disabilities, he knows that 
there is still a long way to go before the intentions of the bill are 
fully realized. Emmanuel continues to advocate for universal, 
accessible design in Iowa cities and towns, push for an inclusive 
design for the Iowa caucuses, and push for putting more individuals 
with disabilities in leadership positions.
  As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, we must remember the importance of equality for all 
Americans. I am proud to know that there are people in Iowa like 
Emmanuel Smith who advocate for equal opportunities for their fellow 
Iowans and inspire the rest of us to join in this fight.
  It is my honor to share Emmanuel Smith's story today, and recognize 
him as our Iowan of the Week.

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