[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18225]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening 
not only to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, known as the ADA, but also to acknowledge my 
unwavering support of the ADA and of people with disabilities.
  This Act has created positive changes, large and small, for disabled 
people everywhere. The access ramps we see leading into buildings are 
examples. Water fountains and sinks are more accessible. Services for 
the sight- and the hearing-impaired are more common. Employment 
discrimination is decreasing.
  Another important development is that the Americans with Disabilities 
Act has mobilized the disabilities advocacy community. Since 1990, 
people with disabilities have grown into seasoned advocates. They have 
unified their voices and are being heard from the halls of Congress to 
the every city and town across America. Unity has added strength to 
their voice and confidence to their actions. And they are being heard, 
loud and clear. Every year, Congress has considered legislation 
affecting people with disabilities, whether it be concerning Social 
Security benefits, education, tax provisions, labor standards, or other 
issues. The Americans with Disabilities Act provided a comprehensive 
legislative starting point--but there is still so much more to be done.
  Perhaps more than anything else, this legislation has given hope to 
disabled people here in Dallas and across this nation. The Americans 
with Disabilities Act affirmed that people with disabilities should 
have as many opportunities to succeed in life as any other citizen. Its 
message is one of equality. To the 14,589 disabled workers in Texas' 
30th District, and others across the nation, the message is: ``You 
belong.''

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