[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18225-18226]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2005

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of 
landmark civil rights legislation for Americans with disabilities--the 
passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  This landmark law was passed with strong bipartisan support and 
signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. As we mark the 15th 
anniversary of this historic event, we celebrate the tremendous 
progress and new doors that have been opened to individuals with 
disabilities as a result of the ADA.
  The purpose of the ADA was to provide clear and comprehensive 
national standards to eliminate discrimination against individuals with 
disabilities. As a result, individuals with disabilities are now able 
to live in their homes and have access to new careers. Accessible 
busses and trains and better paratransit systems have made it possible 
for more people with disabilities to get to work and school, enjoy 
restaurants and theaters and travel.
  The ADA has improved society, not only for the 14 percent of 
Americans over the age of five who have at least one disability. 
Common-sense accommodations like curb cuts and close captioning have 
also benefited Americans without disabilities.
  On this important anniversary, we must remember that while we have 
come a long way in eliminating barriers, critical work remains to 
ensure all Americans can live up to their full potential. Tragically, 
we still have stereotypes and misconceptions that affect people with 
disabilities. Sadly, we still have examples like the boy in 
Pennsylvania who was the target of discrimination by his T-ball coach. 
This is not an isolated incident, as I have learned of another boy in 
Kansas who was denied the right to play T-ball like any other 7-year-
old because he had cerebral palsy. Fortunately, because of the ADA, 
that boy was eventually allowed to play T-ball.
  Giving people with disabilities the right to participate fully in 
society is what this landmark legislation is all about.
  As co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I know that the 
ADA is a major achievement and much has been accomplished over the last 
15 years. As we celebrate how far we've come, let us also recommit to 
creating a society in which no barrier stands in the way of fully 
participating in our society.

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