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Notable Quotes

Check Quotes of the Month or find by speaker's last name in Quote Archives.

Quotes of the Month

"...equal justice under the law is not a privilege — but a fundamental birthright in America."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy
1990 (during the Senate Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act)

Quote Archives (arranged by speaker's last name)

Acosta, R. Alexander

  • "Nursing home residents deserve dignity and respect for their rights. When a county takes responsibility for the care of nursing home residents, it accepts responsibility to ensure that those residents' constitutional rights are protected."

    R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General
    Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

  • "Participation in civic life is a cornerstone of our democracy. The President has made clear our responsibility to open doors and allow opportunity for people with disabilities. We have been gratified by the cooperation these municipalities have given us and the steps they have taken to make their communities more accessible."

    R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General
    Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

  • "As a nation we can hardly aspire to equality under the law while preventing the physical appearance of [citizens with disabilities] before the law. Accessibility to civic facilities such as courthouses is essential to ensuring persons with disabilities full participation in our society."

    R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General
    Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Alvarez, Aida

"When the President created the Employment of Adults with Disabilities Task Force, the SBA became an enthusiastic and committed member. We have undertaken an aggressive outreach campaign to inform people with disabilities about SBA programs and services. The partnership with Social Security is another step forward to link small businesses seeking workers with Americans with disabilities."

Aida Alvarez, Administrator - Small Business Administration
Disability Community Briefing
October 20, 1999

Apfel, Kenneth S.

"As a nation, we are best served when all of our citizens have the opportunity to contribute their talent, ideas and energy to the workforce. "

Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social Security
Disability Community Briefing
October 20, 1999

Barnes, Denise

"Really, the foundation of every workplace is its people" says Barnes. "After working in the area of employment and disability, I became quite impassioned regarding the absolute need to include people with disabilities into corporate diversity plans"

Denise Barnes, upon joining the Sierra Group's Workplace Foundation Board as Vice Chair;
she manages the sales force for bank loans at Washington Mutual in Tampa, Florida.

Barnes, Roy E.

"We must remain vigilant to the ADA's core goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency, and our state is proud to renew our pledge to help advance the cause of disability rights."

Roy E. Barnes, Governor of Georgia

Blatt, Dr. Burton

" … Each human being has value as a human being; ... we're all interdependent; the idea that we can change the world, and the first step is to change ourselves."

Dr. Burton Blatt, 1927-1985
Advocate of deinstitutionalization who helped initiate community living programs and family services. (Learn more about Dr. Blatt from the Syracuse University website at bbi.syr.edu/burtonblatt/.)

Bush, George H.W.

  • "This Act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream."

    President George H.W. Bush
    ADA Signing Ceremony
    July 26,1990

  • "This Act does something important for American business. You've called for new sources of workers. Well, many of our fellow citizens with disabilities are unemployed, they want to work and they can work. And this is a tremendous pool of people who will bring to jobs diversity, loyalty, proven low turnover rate, and only one request, the chance to prove themselves."

    President George H.W. Bush
    ADA Signing Ceremony
    July 26,1990

Bush, George W.

  • "Over the course of nearly two decades, [the Americans with Disabilities] Act has made our schools and workplaces more welcoming, helped change attitudes that once seemed unchangeable, and expanded opportunity for many exceptional Americans. The ADA is one of the most successful civil rights laws in our history and has been an essential part of countless American lives."

    Excerpt from a Proclamation by President of the United States of America - George W. Bush,
    for the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2008

  • "On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we celebrate our progress towards an America where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their talents and contributions to our society. We also underscore our commitment to extend the full liberties and freedoms of our great country to all Americans."

    George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
    Proclamation for 2007 Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

  • "Americans with disabilities are active and contributing members of our society, and they must have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to compete and obtain jobs in the 21st century workforce." The President's New Freedom Initiative recognizes the tremendous contributions and potential of persons with disabilities who are, and who will continue to be, an important part of our nation's labor pool."

    President George W. Bush
    National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004.
    Proclamation by the U.S. President
    October 21, 2004.

  • "The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) has brought about important progress in our Nation. Under my Administration's New Freedom Initiative, we continue to work to ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in the workplace and all aspects of community life. Through funding for new technologies and innovative resources, we are changing old ways of thinking and fulfilling the Federal Government's commitment to opportunity for every citizen."

    President George W. Bush
    National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004.
    Proclamation by the U.S. President
    October 21, 2004.

  • "My Administration is committed to increasing education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. My New Freedom Initiative strives to provide people with disabilities increased opportunities to lead more independent lives by expanding education and job opportunities, and by ensuring that the latest technologies, which often make education and employment possible, are readily available."

    President George W. Bush
    Executive Memorandum
    Re: Establishment of Interagency Working Group on Assistive Technology Mobility Devices
    February 12, 2003

  • "No law should undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA must stand. The ADA is a good law. I want your readers and followers to know that George W. Bush, the son of President Bush who signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, fully supports the ADA in spirit and in law. I would not do otherwise. There is a role to enhance the ADA: I want to make sure the law is fully complied with. The federal government has made a commitment to protecting civil rights. The ADA is a civil rights legislation."

    Texas Governor George W. Bush
    The ADA Is a Good Law
    Exclusive Interview by John M. Williams, Assistive Technology
    June 21, 2000

Chao, Elaine L.

"Hiring Americans with disabilities is not only the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do.  As our country becomes part of an increasingly worldwide economy, skilled workers are in greater demand than ever.  And the technological revolution of the last fifteen years has given us unprecedented ways to incorporate the talents of all members of our society into the workforce."

Remarks Prepared for Delivery by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao,
Summit on Disability Employment Policy, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008

"The Labor Department is proud to take the lead in ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to the workplace so they can realize their dreams and our country can benefit from this talented pool of workers."

Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor

Claypool, Henry

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve President Obama and the American people as we work together to make certain that Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities. My commitment to working on behalf of Americans with disabilities is a deeply personal one."

Henry Claypool, Director
Department of Health and Human Services Office on Disability
Source: www.hhs.gov/news

Clinton, Bill

  • "Perhaps nothing better symbolizes just what we were fighting for than the historic progress made in the budget to open new doors of opportunity for Americans with disabilities ...I'm very proud this week that Congress ...finally agreed on the historic Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIA). It's bipartisan legislation to allow people with disabilities to keep their health care on the job. They can earn a salary, pay taxes and be role models by proving what people can do if given a chance to live up to their God-given potential...It is the most significant advancement for people with disabilities since the passage of the ADA...."

    President Bill Clinton
    Radio Address to the Nation (in which he applauds the passage of WIA)
    November 20, 1999

  • "What they're worried about, I think, is all the people who have to be the keepers of the tradition of any game or any club, or anything else, they're always afraid that when they change any rules, it's a slippery slope, and pretty soon, the whole character of a contest will be altered in ways that aren't good. But I just don't think that that objection holds water here."

    President Bill Clinton
    Radio Interview about Casey Martin by Dan Patrick, ESPN Radio
    November 4, 1999

  • "Freedom doesn't come with a piece of paper. A piece of paper doesn't end a long history of intentional and purposeful discrimination. Ignorance is our greatest enemy ...excluding someone from society simply because of disability is WRONG."

    President Bill Clinton
    National Teleconference Address sponsored by Justice For All

  • "In 1992, I issued a challenge to our nation. I said we must not rest until America has a national disability policy based on three simple creeds; inclusion, not exclusion; independence, not dependence; and empowerment, not paternalism. I remain committed to that vision and I want to thank all of you for working so hard with us to make it a reality. More than ever before in our history, America's greatness in the next century will depend upon the ability of our citizens to make the most of their own lives. Americans with disabilities are an enormous, largely untapped reservoir of that potential."

    President Bill Clinton
    May 23, 1996

  • "I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1996 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, educators, labor leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities that reaffirm our determination to fulfill both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

    President Bill Clinton
    October 4, 1996

Department of Justice

"The ADA is a common sense law that seeks to make businesses accessible to millions of Americans with disabilities," said Associate Attorney General John Schmidt. "We will not permit con artists and swindlers to scare businesses into thinking the ADA requires more than is reasonable."

Department of Justice
Press Release: Hundreds of Victims of an ADA Business Scam to Get Money Back
June 28, 1996

Dominguez, Cari M.

"Small businesses are a major source of jobs in this country - jobs for which people with disabilities must be given an equal opportunity to compete. Never before has the small business community had such easy access to information about the ADA."

Cari M. Dominguez, Chair
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Earp, Naomi C.

"In 2006, the Commission [EEOC] made visible progress in advancing equal employment opportunity, yet much work remains.  Our challenge in 2007 is to make the most effective and efficient use of agency resources to foster fair and inclusive work environments for all individuals."

Naomi C. Earp, Chair
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Fletcher, Steven

"When I had my accident I was told that, if I were to live, I'd live in an institution for the rest of my life... I don't think those people thought that that institution would be the Parliament of Canada"

Steven Fletcher,
Member of Canadian Parliament

Source: Steven Fletcher website

Grizzard, Roy

  • "America's employers benefit when they provide opportunities for Americans with disabilities to work. A winning team will include people with disabilities."

    Roy Grizzard, Former Assistant Secretary of Labor
    for Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)

  • "Inadequate transportation can inhibit employment for all people, but is an even greater barrier to people with disabilities ... reliable transportation services to and from work is a key component of increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities."

    Dr. Roy Grizzard, Assistant Secretary of Labor
    Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

  • "We in America and in the United States Department of Labor place the highest value on the premise that people with disabilities are able to work. We agree with you, as stated in the OECD policy conclusions, that the term 'disabled' should no longer be automatically equated with 'unable to work.' "

    Dr. Roy Grizzard, Assistant Secretary of Labor
    Address at the International Forum on Disabilities in Vienna, Austria
    March 6-7, 2003

Harkin, Tom

"I strongly believe that it is important to level the playing field and give eligible individuals equal access to community-based services and supports.This vital legislation will open the door to full participation by people with disabilities in our neighborhoods, workplaces, our economy, and our American Dream."

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Introduction of 2005 Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services & Supports Act (MICASSA)
February 16, 2005

Hatfield, Dale

"Today we rely upon telecommunications for routine daily activities such as making doctor's appointments, calling home when we are late for dinner, participating in conference calls at work, checking our bank balance, and making airline reservations. We also rely heavily upon telecommunications for non-routine activities such as calling for assistance in emergencies, learning about the approach of severe weather, and in deciding what actions authorities are requiring during an emergency event. Many people with disabilities remain unable to access numerous telecommunications product sand services and thereby participate fully in our society. Section 255 within the Telecommunications Act of 1996, along with Section 251 (a) (2) make it a matter of national policy that manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to persons with disabilities."

Dale N. Hatfield, Chief
Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Industry Cooperation on Standards and Conformity Assessment (ICSCA V)
Veldhoven, Netherlands
October 5, 1999

Kennard (Chairman)

"We cannot afford to let the issue of disabilities be simply an afterthought. We have a unique opportunity now, as industry pours billions of dollars into upgrading the communications infrastructure, to make sure that people with disabilities are not left behind. Now is the time. Accessibility of services and products for all Americans has got to be a design feature, not an add-on."

Chairman Kennard
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Statement on Video Description
November 18, 1999

Kennedy, Edward

"Social justice is often the best economics. We can help disabled Americans who want to live in their homes instead of a nursing home. Simple things can make all the difference, like having the money to install handrails or have someone stop by and help every day."

Article: "A Lifelong Passion," by Edward M. Kennedy
Newsweek Magazine
Published July 18, 2009 and from Issue July 27, 2009

"...equal justice under the law is not a privilege — but a fundamental birthright in America."

Edward M. Kennedy
1990 (during the Senate Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act)

Kennedy Shriver, Eunice

AAPD's Statement on the Passing of Disability Leader Eunice Kennedy Shriver
WASHINGTON, DC – August 11, 2009 – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, released a statement following the passing of disability community leader Eunice Kennedy Shriver today:

"Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an advocate, leader, family member and champion in the disability community. Her belief in the potential of all people with disabilities was unwavering, and her life's work will live on in the millions of people in the disability community who were affected by her advocacy," said Tony Coelho, AAPD Board Chair.

"Eunice Kennedy Shiver worked tirelessly for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities not only in sports, but in all society, and sped up the process whereby generations of people with mental disabilities realized their potential and self-worth," said Andrew Imparato, AAPD President and CEO. "AAPD and the disability community as a whole lost a family member and torch bearer with her passing."

Kim, Wan J.

"Too often, the ease and enjoyment of restaurant dining is not a reality for individuals with disabilities. I commend NPC for their commitment to take the steps necessary to make its Pizza Hut restaurants accessible. These improvements will allow more Americans to participate and enjoy everyday activities with their family and friends."

Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General
Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

King, Martin Luther

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Martin Luther King Jr.

Lechner, Wendy

"We have joined together to seek the full and harmonious implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the same time, we strive to stem litigation, fear, hostility, and expense that could occur if we do not work together."

Wendy Lechner
National Federation of Independent Business

Martinez, Kathleen,
Assistant Secretary for Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)

"ODEP and ETA will work together to ensure that the workforce development system implements universal design strategies for all providers, thus opening doors to many individuals previously untapped as workers in the green economy."
December 16, 2009
"Advancing employment opportunities and expectations for people with disabilities strengthens not only America's economy, but our moral fiber. It creates a more inclusive America, one where every person is recognized for his or her accomplishments — and that should be our goal not just on Labor Day but every day. "
Labor Day Message - September 7, 2009

Meijer, Fred

"Traditionally our company has looked at what a person can do, not what they can't do. For over 60 years, our company has held on to the philosophies and ideals of my father, Hendrik Meijer. He said, "If you believe in people's dignity, if you believe in their right to their dignity and treat them that way, you'll help them to succeed." It's important that we treat all people with dignity and respect."

Fred Meijer, Executive Chairman
Meijer, Inc.

Messinger, Susan

"We and others in the employer community share with you the commitment to ensure that the statute's promise is realized. Like you, we hope the ADA's employment provisions will be implemented in a way that protects the rights of both the intended beneficiaries and those of whom compliance is expected."

Susan Messinger
SHRM ADA Summit
December 1, 1992

Moore, Bob

"America's schools need a new conversation between those responsible for general education and those responsible for special education around how technology can assist all students. This new initiative will bridge the divide between district-level technology and special-education leaders, demonstrating how successful districts are overcoming these obstacles and what tools can be employed to extend access to technology to students of all abilities."

Bob Moore, CoSN chairman, Director of IT Services,
Blue Valley Union School District 229 in Overland Park, Kansas

Obama, Barack

  • "We must continue to embrace diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms, and insist on equality of opportunity and accessibility for all. Let our efforts remind us that when we work together, we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and include every member of our international community."

    International Day of Persons with Disabilities
    December 3, 2009

  • "No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are, or because they live with a disability. "

    Remarks from Signing Ceremony for Hate Crimes Legislation
    October 28, 2009

  • "Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work."

    Proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
    September 30, 2009

  • "The Olmstead ruling was a critical step forward for our nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights of Americans with disabilities: Having the choice to live independently.... I am proud to launch this initiative ["The Year of Community Living"] to reaffirm my Administration's commitment to vigorous enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our nation.

    Excerpt from Commemoration of Olmstead Ruling Anniversary and Announcement of New Initiatives to Assist Americans with Disabilities
    June 22, 2009

  • "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

    Excerpt from Inaugural Address,
    January 20, 2009

  • "With nearly fifty-four million Americans living with disabilities, it must be a priority for our government to do everything it can to protect and respect the needs of these Americans. I am proud the Senate passed this Act today to reverse judicial decisions that permit discrimination against persons with disabilities."

    "Eighteen years ago, enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act was a historic milestone for millions of Americans when it was signed into law. It gave Americans with disabilities better access, more opportunities, and increased independence."

    "While we still have much more to do, today's passage is an important affirmation of our commitment to disabled Americans. I commend Senator Harkin, a true leader on this issue, for working to pass this legislation."

    Senator Barack Obama,
    Statement on the Senate's Passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
    September 11, 2008

  • "We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."

    Barack Obama
    April 11, 2008

  • "...increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities by effectively implementing regulations that require the federal government and its contractors to employ people with disabilities, providing private-sector employers with resources to accommodate employees with disabilities, and encouraging those employers to use existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities and supporting small businesses owned by people with disabilities."

    Barack Obama
    April 11, 2008

Paige, Rod

"Every child in America deserves the highest-quality education,including our children with disabilities. Our goal is to align IDEA with the principles of No Child Left Behind by ensuring accountability, more flexibility, more options for parents and an emphasis on doing what works to improve student achievement. I look forward to working with Congress in the weeks and months ahead to achieve these goals."

Rod Paige, United States Secretary of Education
February 25, 2003

Pelosi, Nancy

"Nearly 18 years ago, with the enactment of the ADA, this nation committed to removing barriers that had too long denied Americans with disabilities full and equal access to all aspects of American society - in our businesses, schools, communities, and government. Since that time, the ADA has played a vital role in transforming society's attitudes toward individuals with disabilities and has advanced our nation's fundamental calling to respect each individual. The ADA's promise remains unfulfilled because of court rulings that wrongly ignored the intent of Congress. Courts have narrowed the definition of 'disability' to preclude those individuals who undertake mitigating measures such as hearing aids or medications. Today, Congress is restoring the law's intent and its broad protections. By strengthening the ADA, we bring our nation closer to the ideals of equality and opportunity that are both our heritage and our hope."

Statement by Speaker Nancy Pelosi
following passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
June 25, 2008

Perino, Dana

"The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is instrumental in allowing individuals with disabilities to fully participate in our economy and society, and the Administration supports efforts to enhance its protections.  The Administration believes that the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 [ADAAA], which has just passed Congress, is a step in that direction, and is encouraged by the improvements made to the bill during the legislative process. The President looks forward to signing the ADAAA into law."

Statement by Dana Perino, White House Press Secretary

Reich, Alan A.

  • "This decision endorses rights promised by the ADA since 1990. It supports the integration of Americans with disabilities into American life. This could not come on a more appropriate day than the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision that integrated the public school system."

    Alan A. Reich, President
    National Organization on Disability

  • "America's voters with disabilities, some thirty-five million strong, will be voicing their concerns in the voting booth this year, and candidates are targeting those votes as never before ...Never before has the political spotlight focused so intensely on disability issues and on the disability community -- the nation's largest minority."

    Alan A. Reich, President
    National Organization on Disability

Rensl, Ed

"McDonald’s Commitment to Americans with Disabilities: We are proud to have worked from the beginning with government, disability groups and other corporations to ensure passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It represents a civil rights milestone with important benefits for everyone in this country. Easy, reasonable and cooperative compliance will be key to opening the opportunities of every aspect of American life to people with disabilities. McDonald’s continues its work in this area with a commitment to do all it can to make its goods, service and employment opportunities available to everyone in this great an innovative country."

Ed Rensl, President and Chief Executive Officer
McDonalds USA

Rice, Susan

"Our work is not complete until we have an enduring guarantee of the inherent dignity, worth and independence of all persons with disabilities worldwide. Let the signing of the treaty today be an ongoing source of inspiration for us all in our shared struggle to bring old barriers down."

Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
As she signed the United Nations (U.N.) Treaty on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
U.N. headquarters in New York
July 30, 2009

Romano, Neil

"I believe that within a generation, people with disabilities in the workplace will trigger one of the greatest advancements in American society since the industrial revolution. People with disabilities in the workplace are the next great wave of diversity in this country. Their diversity will foster innovations that will produce new products, procedures and systems that will be the exports of tomorrow and will drive our economy and our nation into the future. But working to employ people with disabilities is not just important to America's economy – it is at the very core of who we are as a people."

Remarks delivered by
Assistant U.S. Secretary of Labor Neil Romano,
during his Swear-in Ceremony
June 27, 2008

Sensenbrenner (Congressman)

"One of our finest moments occurred eighteen years ago when President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. It was with that stroke of a pen that this country took a significant step forward in eliminating the barriers that for far too long kept disabled Americans from fully participating in the American dream. Prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, disabled Americans faced not only physical barriers in almost all aspects of society but also attitudinal barriers, which relegated them to a form of second class citizenship. Moreover, because federal and state laws were ill-equipped to protect disabled Americans at the time, the false stereotypes and discriminatory treatment employed by others created a vicious cycle."

Statement made by Congressman Sensenbrenner
Judiciary Committee mark-up
June 2008

Smith, John F., Jr.

"Our business starts and ends with the customer, whether it be the urban baby boomer, the rural retiree, the commuter who is disabled, or whomever. At GM our philosophy is to bring people who are disabled into the mainstream workforce and view them as part of the mainstream marketplace. This is not only the right thing to do morally; it also makes good business sense. A market o0f 49 million people is one we want to serve."

John F. Smith, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President
General Motors Corporation

Solis, Hilda L.

"July 26 marks the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.... the ADA's provisions include the right to seek, obtain, pursue and maintain employment without being hampered by physical or attitudinal barriers. I believe that having a job is a civil right. Those who are qualified for and want to work should not be denied that right because of an inaccessible building or an outdated set of assumptions about what they can or cannot do..."

Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor
Statement Regarding the 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
July 24, 2009

Thompson, Tommy G.

"The New Freedom Initiative was one of the earliest actions announced by the President in his first days in office. The President and I are committed to changing policies that unnecessarily confine people with disabilities in institutional settings. We want to work with the states and the disability community to change old programs and develop new ones that will serve people with disabilities in the settings that work best for them."

Secretary Tommy G. Thompson
Department of Health and Human Services

White House.gov

  • "The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) marked a milestone in our Nation's quest to guarantee the civil rights of all citizens. The ADA is a success story that has strengthened the foundation for an America where we celebrate the talents and abilities of every person."

    Whitehouse.gov
    2004 Anniversary of the ADA Proclamation
    Source: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/07/20040726-5.html

  • "My administration continues to work with states to ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. That decision rightly mandates that individuals with disabilities who can receive support and treatment in a community setting should be given an opportunity to live close to their families and friends whenever possible. People with disabilities now have more freedom to do productive work and live independent lives. We're making good progress toward ensuring that persons with disabilities know the American Dream is meant for them. With changes in old ways of thinking, the development of new technologies, and the federal government's firm commitment to equality, more and more people with disabilities continue to become full participants in the American life."

    Weekly Radio Address of the President
    July 26, 2003

Womack, Richard

"We are going to have some problems. There is no question about that. But, we have made a commitment as a group, to work together to make sure we do not go through the turmoil we went through in terms of implementing the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

Richard Womack, AFL-CIO

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