Political Quotes

“I rise today to highlight the importance of the Rehabilitation Act and to recognize the law's significance as we celebrate its 50th birthday today. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive Federal funding. It helped lay the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which wasn't signed into law until almost two decades later. But aside from that, the anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act also serves as a reminder that we are where we are now because of the sheer willpower of disability activists from across the country--activists like my late friend Judy Heumann, whom I can't help but remember today. Even though the Rehabilitation Act was signed into law in 1973, it was not implemented until 4 years later, and that was only after hundreds of disabled activists sat in and occupied Federal buildings across the country. At San Francisco's sit-in, which lasted for weeks, protestors like Judy refused to be moved. Authorities shut off the phone lines. They shut off the water so those protesting went thirsty. But our community stuck together and stayed strong. I am grateful these dedicated activists persisted despite difficult obstacles, and their persistence and determination should inspire our country to push further towards achieving the ultimate goal of full accessibility and inclusion. People with disabilities continue to face discrimination every day.…”