Tom Harkin: “Saturday was a sad day for America and for all who have fought so hard for the rights of people with disabilities in our…”

“Saturday was a sad day for America and for all who have fought so hard for the rights of people with disabilities in our society. On Saturday, our Nation lost one of its great heroes: My good friend, Justin Dart, Jr. Justin Dart was the godfather of the disability rights movement. For 30 years he fought to end prejudice against people with disabilities, to strengthen the disabilities right movement, to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Millions of Americans with disabilities never knew his name but they owe him so much. Justin was born August 28, 1930. His grandfather was the founder of the Walgreen Drug store chain. His father was also a very successful businessman. Justin was the son of privilege and wealth, but he became the brother of the forgotten and the downtrodden, those whom society left on the roadside of life. From the time that polio left him a wheelchair user in 1948, to this past Saturday when he passed away, Justin lived a life dedicated to social justice for people with disabilities and for all people regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation. He is, of course, best known as the godfather of the disabilities rights movement and the father of the Americans With Disabilities Act.”