Americans With Disabilities
Act: 15 Years of Progress
by Senator Tom Harkin
This month, our nation
is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act—the landmark civil rights law
securing the rights of people with disabilities. As chief author
of the law, I remember the day it was signed into law—June
26, 1990—as one of the proudest in my entire legislative career.
Today, the impacts of ADA are all around us. Drive-through restaurants
have visual displays allowing the deaf and hard of hearing to place
their orders outside. Banks have talking ATMs, now, to assist those
with visual impairments. Cities have installed curb cuts and ramps
to allow wheelchair users easier access. And on and on.
Just as important, because
of the ADA, we have seen an enormous change in attitudes. It used
to be socially acceptable to treat people with disabilities as
second-class citizens, to exclude and marginalize them. I remember
my brother Frank, who had a profound hearing disability, being
sent off to a “school for the deaf and dumb,” and
later being offered just three job possibilities: baker, printer’s
assistant, or cobbler.
Today, by contrast, the expectation is that we will do what it takes
to give people with disabilities not just physical access, but an
equal opportunity in our schools, in our workplaces, in all areas
of our economy and society.
Just as important, ADA
has changed attitudes. We have overcome the false dichotomy between “disabled” and “able.” We
recognize that people with disabilities – like all people – have
unique abilities, talents, and aptitudes. And that America is better,
fairer, and richer when we make full use of those gifts.
To observe this 15th
anniversary, I invite Americans with disabilities and their loved
ones to share their stories. Tell me how ADA has made a difference
in your life. Just go to my Senate home page at www.harkin.senate.gov/.
Scroll down to the lower right hand corner. Then, under the item
labeled “ADA,” click on “Share
Your Story,” and tell me about your experience.
The Americans with Disabilities
Act has made a huge difference in our society. It has opened doors,
created opportunity, and transformed lives. If you are one of those
who have benefitted from this law, I’d love to hear from
you.
