[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2000)]
[Pages 2693-2694]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2694]]

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 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.