[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 30 (Monday, July 30, 2001)]
[Pages 1106-1107]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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,

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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 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.