[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[October 30, 2000]
[Pages 2382-2383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill 
of Rights Act of 2000
October 30, 2000

    Today, I am pleased to sign into law S. 1809, the ``Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.'' This 
legislation reauthorizes programs that support people with developmental 
disabilities and helps them achieve their maximum potential through 
increased self-determination, independence, productivity, and 
integration in all facets of life. The Act also adds important new 
authority to provide services and activities for families of individuals 
with developmental disabilities and the dedicated workers who assist 
them.
    Since 1963, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
Rights Act has made a crucial difference in the lives and futures of 
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Through 
this Act, Federal funds support the development and operation of State 
Councils, Protection and Advocacy Systems, University Centers (formerly 
known as university affiliated programs), and projects of national 
significance. This crucial investment has provided the structure to 
assist people with developmental disabilities to pursue meaningful and 
productive

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lives. These programs have made community living possible for 
individuals across our Nation with significant disabilities. The Act has 
led to further Federal legislation in support of all people with 
disabilities. Therefore, it is only fitting that I am signing this 
legislation in the same year as the 25th anniversary of the Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act and the 10th anniversary of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act.
    When the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 
Act was first conceived by President Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy 
Shriver, and Dr. Robert Cooke, the 
primary emphasis was on the advancement of scientific understanding, 
professional education, and ensuring access to, and safety of, 
institutional facilities. Later changes, as conceived by Dr. Elizabeth 
Boggs, Dr. Elsie Helsel, and others, focused on efforts of families, 
professionals, and State agencies to improve supports for all people 
with developmental disabilities. Today, the programs emphasize 
fundamental system change, including legal services and advocacy and 
capacity-building at the State and local levels. The focus is on 
listening to people with developmental disabilities as self-advocates, 
and helping people with developmental disabilities and their families 
obtain the information, assistive technology, and supports they need to 
make more informed choices about how and where to live. An important 
aspect of today's work is to ensure self-determination and access to 
supports for historically unserved and underserved populations across 
the Nation. To ensure continued progress in these areas, S. 1809 now 
includes performance-based accountability requirements.
    The programs carried out through this Act improve and expand 
opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families. My Administration is committed to working with Indian Tribes 
on a government-to-government basis to address issues of shared concern, 
and I encourage the next Administration and Congress to explore ways for 
this legislation to provide appropriate roles for Indian Tribes and 
Native Americans pursuant to this legislation.
    Investments in the freedom and the future of Americans with 
significant, lifelong disabilities are important investments in the 
well-being of our Nation. For these reasons, I am pleased to sign the 
``Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
2000.''

                                                      William J. Clinton

 The White House,

 October 30, 2000.

Note: S. 1809, approved October 30, was assigned Public Law No. 106-402.