Bill Clinton: “Finally, to Laura Hershey. Laura has said, and I quote, ``Disability is not a tragedy. It is powerful.'' By speaking her…”

“Finally, to Laura Hershey. Laura has said, and I quote, ``Disability is not a tragedy. It is powerful.'' By speaking her mind and using her gifts as a writer to point out the shortcomings and the possibilities of our society, Laura has found the power to make the world a better place for people with disabilities. As head of a variety of disability organizations and as a private citizen, she has fought to reform our Social Security, housing, and transportation systems to better serve Americans living with disabilities. Economic freedom and self-sufficiency for Americans with disabilities is her goal. I am confident she will not rest until she achieves it. And I am proud to present this third and final award to Laura Hershey. [The President presented the award and congratulated Ms. Hershey, co-recipient for 1998.]”