    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [August 6, 1996]
    [Pages 1265-1266]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
    of Rights Act Amendments of 1996
    August 6, 1996

        Today, I am pleased to sign into law S. 1757, the ``Developmental
    Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1996.''
    This legislation would extend for 3 years the authorization of
    appropriations under the Act.
        During the 25 years since its enactment, the Developmental
    Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act has made a crucial
    difference in the lives and futures of Americans with developmental
    disabilities and their families. Through this Act, Federal funds support
    the development and operation of developmental disabilities councils,
    protection and advocacy activities, university-affiliated programs, and
    projects of national significance. This crucial investment has provided
    the structure to assist people with developmental disabilities to reach
    their maximum potential.
        When first conceived by President Kennedy, Dr. Elizabeth Boggs, and
    others, the primary emphasis of developmental disabilities programs was
    on access to institutional facilities. Today, the focus is on helping
    people to obtain the support they need to make choices about how to
    live, particularly in family or community settings. The developmental
    disabilities programs emphasize fundamental system change, including
    legal services and advocacy and capacity building at the State and local
    levels. They also continue to spur progress and create opportunities in
    the everyday lives of children and adults with developmental and other
    significant disabilities in ways unimaginable a generation ago.
        Beginning in the mid-seventies, individuals with disabilities and
    their families began to work for, and gain passage of, key Federal and
    State legislation regarding educational access, barrier-free design, and
    employment. The resulting legislation has helped to open doors that had
    been slammed shut for decades. It was once common for people with
    disabilities to be denied access to community schools, swimming pools,
    banks, restaurants, and even to the voting booth. Today, these actions
    are not only illegal, but would be considered beyond the pale by the
    American people.
        Americans with disabilities are helping to redefine what it means to
    have a disability in America and what it means to be a full,
    contributing citizen. I am pleased to support continu-

    [[Page 1266]]

    ation of the developmental disabilities programs that have meant so much
    to Americans with disabilities.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    August 6, 1996.

    Note: S. 1757, approved August 6, was assigned Public Law No. 104-183.