Wednesday
Jun182008
Disabled Americans hope this is the one
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 3:18PM
This mornings House Education and Labor Committee’s passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2008 brought wide praise throughout intrest groups across the political spectrum.
Tony Coelho, who was the primary author of the original Americans with Disabilities Act was joined by Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as Nancy Zirkin from the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights to sing the measures praises on an afternoon conference call.
One common theme amongst the newly formed coalition of the business and disabilities communities was to see that the original intent of the 1990 landmark legislation was carried through. Zirkin believes that “narrow courts have chipped away the ADA coverage” that was originally meant in the first piece of legislation.
Zirkin as well as others argued that the current law is unfair because it punishes someone who succeeds and is doing well. Tom Donohue with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce agreed: “the narrow interpretation creates a glass ceiling, if we do well we get disqualified.” Currently the United States has about 40 million people who are disabled which represents about one in every seven people. If the new ADA legislation is passed and signed into law many of those people who originally denied coverage for ADA assistance will now receive it.
While no one knows when the measure will come up for a full vote in the Senate the coalition believes that it is possible to get it done by the end of the year.
Tony Coelho, who was the primary author of the original Americans with Disabilities Act was joined by Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as Nancy Zirkin from the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights to sing the measures praises on an afternoon conference call.
One common theme amongst the newly formed coalition of the business and disabilities communities was to see that the original intent of the 1990 landmark legislation was carried through. Zirkin believes that “narrow courts have chipped away the ADA coverage” that was originally meant in the first piece of legislation.
Zirkin as well as others argued that the current law is unfair because it punishes someone who succeeds and is doing well. Tom Donohue with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce agreed: “the narrow interpretation creates a glass ceiling, if we do well we get disqualified.” Currently the United States has about 40 million people who are disabled which represents about one in every seven people. If the new ADA legislation is passed and signed into law many of those people who originally denied coverage for ADA assistance will now receive it.
While no one knows when the measure will come up for a full vote in the Senate the coalition believes that it is possible to get it done by the end of the year.
Congress Recognizes 20th Anniversary Of ADA
By Alexa Gitler - Talk Radio News Service
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) joined with several other members Monday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
“The ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities, and transformed lives,” said Harkin. “Today we recognize that people with disabilities like all people have unique abilities, and talents, and aptitudes, and that our nation is better and fairer and richer when we make full use of those gifts.”
The law allows for equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
Langevin, who is disabled after becoming paralyzed almost 30 years ago, will preside over a resolution in the House of Representatives today as Speaker Pro-Tempore. This is the first time in history this role has been filled by a disabled Member.
“I hope people see my act today [presiding over the House] and realize that all things are possible, that all of us have difficulty and challenges in our lives, but if we have single-minded determination, and with the right tools and support to level the playing field there is nothing we can’t accomplish or pursue,” he said.
This evening, President Barack Obama will host an event at the White House to commemorate the anniversary of the law.