Cord Byrd: “over the past month and a half, a brightly lit torch has made its journey through nineteen cities, carrying with it each…”

“over the past month and a half, a brightly lit torch has made its journey through nineteen cities, carrying with it each step of the way the passionate and able spirit of the disability community. Today the torch arrives at its 20th stop along the way, our Nation's Capital, to mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is indeed an important day in our Nation's long history. President Franklin Roosevelt once said, ``No country, no matter how rich, can afford to waste its human resources.'' I am proud to say that the Americans with Disabilities Act lives up to President Roosevelt's objective. For 10 years now, this momentous, landmark civil rights legislation has opened new doors to the disability community. It has, at long last, allowed handicapped individuals the opportunity and the access to have their potential recognized both inside the workplace and outside in the community. It has brought the American dream within reach for the millions of American families with disabled members.”