Mike Thompson: “Today I recognize the outstanding achievements accomplished since the inception of the Americans with Disabilities Act…”

“Today I recognize the outstanding achievements accomplished since the inception of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tomorrow, July 26, 2000, marks the 10th anniversary of ADA and the 25th anniversary of IDEA. I also urge public leaders across this nation to join me and take this opportunity to publicly dedicate themselves to the ideas and principles that inform ADA and IDEA. These two historic civil rights laws have provided 54 million individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn, work and be fully integrated members of our society. Today, millions of children are receiving free education due to IDEA and millions of adults have their basic rights protected under ADA. ADA is one of the most sweeping civil rights laws providing nondiscrimination protection for individuals with disabilities. Protections include rights in all aspects of employment, transportation services, building accessibility and communication capabilities.”