"Happy Birthday ADA" from PBS.org

In a scene described as having "the fervor of a civil rights rally of the 1960s" supporters of the Americans with Disabilities Act climb the steps of the Capitol without their walkers, crutches and wheelchairs on Mar 12, 1990. Photo by Terry Ashe/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

 

 

 

Sponsored by Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin and Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer and and signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, the ADA was the result of years of debate over whether it would do as much harm as it would good, because of the new requirements it placed on governments, employers and people who own airlines, bus companies, office buildings, stores, restaurants and any other facility someone with a disability might want to use.

 

Read Judy Woodruff's ADA celebration article:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/07/happy-birthday-ada.html

Happy Birthday ADA

www.pbs.org

 

 

 

• via

Southwest ADA Center 

 

 

 

 

The Matter with Megan An Open Letter to Senator Harkin from a Senate Intern |

23 years ago you did an incredible thing. You acknowledged that disabled people have been treated for centuries as second class citizens and moved to attempt to solve the problem.You told Congress that disabled people are people. You told the American people I mattered. You wrote a law, the Americans with disabilities act. And it was passed.
...

You’ve brought to light glaring loopholes that make navigating daily life a continued constant struggle. Accessibility is a right, not a granted favor. I’m sure you know that, too.
...

Thank you. It was because of you that I was able to work there at all. In the wake of your retirement, know that your work mattered, at least to this intern.

Most Appreciatively yours,

Megan

July 25, 2013
 

[Senator Tom Harkin serves as the Chairperson of the HELP - Health Education, Employment and Pensions Committee of the United States Senate.

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act  in 1990 by U.S. President George H.W. Bush.
[Read Megan Barron's entire letter posted on her blog:
An Open Letter to Senator Harkin from a Senate Intern | The Matter with Megan An Open Letter to Senator Harkin from a Senate Intern |