[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in celebrating the 12th 
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed on July 
26,1990, the nation took its first step to incorporate the disabled 
community back into mainstream America. Armed with 21st century 
technology and a warmhearted community, these Americans are able to 
interact smoothly with friends, family and coworkers in factories, 
office buildings, sports facilities, parks and even on the Internet. 
This Act has tapped into the full potential of individuals who were 
often excluded from the rest of the world.
  The ADA has opened amazing doors for all people. Buildings, sidewalks 
and public transportation have become more accessible, allowing for 
ease in conducting everyday business. The use of screen-readers and 
voice-recognition software has brought the once unknown world of the 
Internet to all computer users. No longer will people with impaired 
vision or dexterity be limited to the available resources. The ADA has 
given employees with disabilities access to the tools they need to 
perform their job. Technological advances have been fully integrated 
into the workplace and I believe society is ready for the work-at-home 
employee.
  As a member of the Bicameral Disabilities Caucus, I am a strong 
proponent for continued efforts to break down further barriers 
preventing our disabled community from living healthy, productive 
lives. With one in five Americans suffering from a debilitating 
ailment, we have a better understanding for the need to continue 
supporting both legislation and technology for tomorrow's generation.
  Mr. Speaker, the Americans with Disabilities Act had the same impact 
on disabled Americans in the 1990s as did the Civil Rights Act had on 
African Americans back in the 1960s. I believe that the will of the 
people have spoken declaring not to discriminate against any person. 
With these pieces of legislation side-by-side on the same pedestal, we 
can observe our constantly changing, and more accepting, country and 
truly say that we are proud to be Americans.

                          ____________________