[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12957]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH 
                            DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 25th 
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the nation's first 
comprehensive civil rights law addressing the needs of people with 
disabilities. The roots of this historic Act date back to the Civil 
Rights Movement of the 1960s. It began in towns and cities across the 
United States. It began with parents, families and friends of those 
living with disabilities challenging the societal barriers that 
excluded their fellow Americans from fair employment, access to public 
services and deserved accommodations.
  Over the decades, the disability rights movement continued to grow 
and gain momentum. When ADA was enacted on July 26, 1990, it was 
regarded as a momentous bill that would break down barriers to 
education, employment and technology--and it has not disappointed. The 
Americans with Disabilities Act has markedly increased the quality of 
life for the over 55 million people living with a disability in the 
United States today. The ADA is viewed as responsible for a 75% 
increase in access to public facilities and transportation services for 
people with disabilities. In fact, over 20 cities across the United 
States including Boston, Massachusetts now use rail systems that are 
accessible to people with disabilities.
  The ADA has also given greater voice to those faced with mental and 
physical challenges. This law requires that people with disabilities be 
given access to a right that every American is constitutionally 
guaranteed, the right to vote. Between 1996 and 2004, implementation of 
the ADA increased voter turnout amongst the men and women with 
disabilities by 10% compared to an overall increase of only 2%.
  While a significant disparity in income and poverty rates remains for 
those living with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act was 
a historic stepping stone that has decidedly improved the lives of 
millions.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating this 25th anniversary of 
the Americans with Disabilities Act. I ask that my colleagues rise and 
join me in recognizing the importance of this legislation.

                          ____________________