James M. Jeffords: “tomorrow marks a milestone for the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. July 26 is the 15th anniversary of the ADA's…”

“tomorrow marks a milestone for the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. July 26 is the 15th anniversary of the ADA's enactment into law. The ADA is one of the most significant initiatives to become law during my 30 years in the Congress. As a Member of the House I was an original cosponsor the first time the ADA bill was introduced in 1988. Although ADA did not pass during that Congress, action on the ADA legislation would not have to wait much longer. Under the extraordinary citizen leadership of the late Justin Dart, former Representative Tony Coehlo, Representative Steny Hoyer, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, my colleague Senator Tom Harkin, and then President George H.W. Bush, the ADA became law in 1990. Another important factor that led to the passage of the ADA was the staunch commitment of many diverse organizations. The ADA is an excellent illustration as to how bipartisanship, combined with the outstanding efforts of our Nation's citizenry, can lead to a landmark change that can positively impact people's lives for centuries to come. The ADA has literally opened doors that were closed prior to 1990, which has reaped great benefits for all of us. In 1990, the largest Vermont employment agency successfully placed 505 disabled individuals with employers. As of last year, that successful placement rate had increased almost threefold. Individual and economic empowerment is the ongoing legacy of the ADA.…”