Chris Van Hollen: “Today we mark the 20th anniversary of one of the most defining and effective civil rights law passed by Congress--the…”

“Today we mark the 20th anniversary of one of the most defining and effective civil rights law passed by Congress--the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More than twenty years ago, Americans with disabilities were too often denied the opportunity to fully participate and integrate into our society due to intolerance and unfair stereotypes. Because of this discrimination, they encountered lower employment rates, lower graduation rates, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. With the ADA, new opportunities were open for millions of Americans with disabilities by making essential services such as housing, buildings, transportation, and other daily needs more accessible. Individuals with disabilities were given an opportunity to succeed in the workplace and in life. Though we have made progress in improving access in all aspects of life for Americans with disabilities, many continue to confront barriers that inhibit them from fully participating in our society by facing inequalities in education, transportation, housing and technology. We must continue to work to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not denied the opportunities that people without disabilities enjoy.”