Tina Smith: “in Oregon it is estimated that there are 433,000 people living with disabilities, and I am pleased to be here today to…”

“in Oregon it is estimated that there are 433,000 people living with disabilities, and I am pleased to be here today to represent them by recognizing and honoring the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act will turn 15 years old tomorrow. This act stands as one of the most successful civil rights laws in our history. This law has opened the doors of schools, polling places, and countless other public facilities to our Nation's disabled population. The law is and will continue to be the platform for millions of Americans to realize our Nation's goals of equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, full participation, and independent living. Fifteen years ago it was often a dream for the 54 million Americans with disabilities to participate in our Nation's daily life. However, the ADA helped these people by removing barriers in employment, transportation, public services, telecommunications, and public accommodations. The act stands as a tribute to the hard work of all of the individuals who brought light to the plight of the disabled before and after this legislation was passed. For years, people with disabilities were viewed as people in need of help rather than contributors to our country. The passage of the ADA finally moved us to change our attitudes and open doors for people with disabilities. In Oregon one of the people who has been truly touched by this act is Vail B. Horton.…”