Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–July 26, 2013. Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Today, all Americans should acknowledge the victory the ADA provided for people with disabilities and human rights in our country. In 1990, Senators Bob Dole and Edward Kennedy led a bipartisan coalition to help enact the ADA, which banned discrimination taking place against people with disabilities and provided them with newfound opportunities to live fulfilling and productive lives. The ADA assists me in overcoming the obstacles that I face as a wounded Veteran and it has given me the opportunity to assist my fellow Veterans with disabilities. I would not be where I am today without it. I am forever thankful for this groundbreaking law because it has made America a stronger and more compassionate nation.
Despite the victory the ADA provided for Americans with disabilities, there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that it is fully implemented and that people with disabilities around the globe have similar protections. The fact that swimming pools were not required to be ADA complaint until last year proves that the work to provide rights to disabled persons is an ongoing process that is far from complete.
The U.S. Senate should honor the passage of the ADA by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that would help guarantee access and protections for people with disabilities worldwide. This treaty has strong support from both the disability rights community and numerous Veterans organizations and its ratification would reaffirm the United States as a leader in the fight for equality for people with disabilities.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and all Americans to make sure that all disabled persons are given the rights they deserve.
Additionally, the Congresswoman spoke at the following events this week to mark this anniversary: the National Council on Independent Living conference and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities Press Conference, focusing on the need to pass the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Source: duckworth.house.gov
