    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 26, 2001]
    [Pages 918-919]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
    1990
    July 26, 2001

        Eleven years ago today, people from across America gathered to
    celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
    (ADA), one of the Nation's most important civil rights laws since the
    Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ADA opened up the true promise of America
    to people with disabilities who, for far too long, have found
    impediments to getting an education, getting a job, or just getting
    around.
        I am proud that my father saw the need for a comprehensive law to
    liberate the energies and talents of people with disabilities, and who
    worked with the Congress to make the ADA a reality.
        Much has been accomplished in the past 11 years. Attitudes are
    changing and barriers are coming down all across America. Employers now
    provide a range of ``accommodations'' to ensure that employees with
    disabilities can keep their place in the wage-earning world, resulting
    in unprecedented economic opportunities. And, outside of the workplace,
    the promise of the ADA, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit of the
    private sector, has enabled people with disabilities to enjoy much
    greater access to a wide range of affordable travel, recreational
    opportunities, and life-enriching services.
        Because of the ADA, people with disabilities are gaining equal
    access to public sector services. And the public sector has rallied to
    the ADA's goals. From improving access at town halls and courthouses to
    providing accessible parking to assistive listening devices at public
    meetings, States and local governments have developed some of the most
    innovative and meaningful responses to the ADA. In addition, my
    Administration is committed to full and effective implementation of
    Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which will help ensure that
    people of all abilities can access government information and online
    services. My Administration is working closely with State and local
    governments to move people with disabilities out of institutions and
    into community-based settings, going above and beyond the requirements
    of the Supreme Court's landmark Olmstead decision.
        In fact, the message of the ADA is being heard all around the world.
    Over 40 countries, from Australia to Uganda, now have laws prohibiting
    discrimination against people with disabilities--many of them inspired
    by the ADA.
        Although we have accomplished much because of the ADA, our job is
    far from done. People with disabilities are far more likely than other
    Americans to drop out of high school or to suffer from poverty and
    unemployment. They are far less likely

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    to own a home, to use a computer to explore the Internet, or to vote.
        Earlier this year, I proposed the New Freedom Initiative. It is the
    next step in securing the promise of the ADA. The New Freedom Initiative
    will help ensure that Americans with disabilities can access the best
    technologies of today and even better technologies in the future. We
    will expand educational opportunities and accessible transportation and
    take steps to fully integrate people with disabilities into the
    workforce. We will expand housing opportunities and improve access to
    churches, mosques, synagogues, and civic organizations. And we will
    fully enforce the ADA while working in partnership with businesses,
    States, and local governments to promote the highest possible degree of
    voluntary cooperation.
        The Americans with Disabilities Act was an unprecedented step
    forward in promoting freedom, independence, and dignity for millions of
    our people. On this, the 11th anniversary of the Americans with
    Disabilities Act, I remain committed to tearing down the remaining
    barriers to equality that face Americans with disabilities today.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     July 26, 2001.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this statement.