Skip to main content

Pelosi Statement on 15th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

July 25, 2005

Pelosi Statement on 15th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

Monday, July 25, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this afternoon in recognition of tomorrow's 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

"As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tomorrow, we reaffirm the simple premise - and the law of the land - that every American has the right to live independently and to fully participate in all aspects of our society.

"The ADA, by breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion, ushered considerable changes over the past 15 years. Most significantly, it transformed society's attitudes toward people with disabilities, and it advanced our nation's fundamental calling to respect each individual.

"Fifteen years ago, the ADA was enacted 'to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.' That goal, however, is far from finished. Only 32 percent of people of working age who have a disability are employed. And today, people with disabilities are still three times more likely to live in poverty.

"Sadly, the Bush Administration's commitment to the ADA and the rights of individuals with disabilities has been sorely lacking. President Bush has chosen judges for the federal bench who are hostile to the ADA. He has actually proposed funding cuts to Medicaid, Section 8 housing, vocational rehabilitation, and assistive technology - all of which are essential to fostering independence.

"And the President's Social Security privatization plan will cut benefits for people with disabilities. Democrats will not walk away from our commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities will be able to rely on Social Security's guaranteed benefits that have given millions of Americans the opportunity to live with independence.

"The 15th anniversary is a call to renew our efforts to realize the promise of the ADA and work to restore its full protections which have been stripped away by recent court decisions. We must implement policies intended by the ADA, so that individuals with disabilities can obtain jobs for which they qualify. Full and equal access for individuals with disabilities to education, governmental services, public accommodations, transportation, housing, and the right to vote must be secured.

"Our work is far from finished. Even as we maintain our hard-fought gains and prevent harmful proposals, we must continue to advance the rights of all. It is our journey and our obligation as Americans.

"As Democrats, we are committed to expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities and all Americans. Only then will we live up to the ideals of equality and opportunity that are both our heritage and our hope."