[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 PRAISE ON THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

  Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I rise today in praise of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act on the occasion of its 11th anniversary. The 
advances in law, health care, education and technology promoted in this 
historic legislation over the past 11 years have given Americans with 
disabilities a new lease on life.
  Today, 53 million Americans live with a disability, and 1 in 8 of 
them is severely disabled. According to the most recent data available, 
there are approximately 117,701 individuals sixteen years or older 
living with a disability in South Dakota and 57,233 who have a severe 
disability. Yet due to the landmark Americans with disabilities Act, 
the stereotypes against these persons are crumbling and they are able 
to lead increasingly integrated and fulfilled lives. The Act has 
guaranteed that people with disabilities be able to live in the most 
integrated settings possible in their communities. The Americans with 
Disabilities Act has also spurred research and improved care for 
seniors, children and mentally disabled persons. In doing so, the Act 
has ensured improved quality of life for people living with 
disabilities and has promised disabled children hope for a successful 
future. The contributions of the Americans with Disabilities Act over 
the past 11 years are an inspiration for what can be done to improve 
the lives of Americans living with disabilities, and a proponent of 
more progress in the future.


  Once again, it gives me great pleasure to recognize and honor today's 
celebration on behalf of the millions of disabled Americans throughout 
this country.

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