Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this…”

“I rise to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this landmark legislation which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public services, telecommunications, and public accommodations. Over the past 15 years, the ADA has provided opportunity and access for the 54 million Americans with disabilities. The passage of ADA resulted from a long struggle by Americans with disabilities to bring an end to their inferior status and unequal protection under law. Prior to passage of this landmark civil rights legislation, these Americans routinely faced prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion--not to mention physical barriers in their everyday lives. Now these Americans have an opportunity to participate more fully in our national life. We recognize, however, our work is not finished. We still need to do more for people with disabilities. In addition to removing the physical barriers, we must also change attitudes. People with disabilities--like all people--have unique abilities, talents, and aptitudes. And America is better, fairer, and richer when we make full use of those gifts. As we celebrate this historic accomplishment, I encourage all Americans to work towards increased recognition and understanding of the manner in which the physical and social environment can pose discriminatory barriers to people with disabilities.”