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Remarks read by Kelly Lucci on behalf on U.S. Sen. Bernard Sanders at the 17th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2007

Dear Friends: Seventeen years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by then-president George HW Bush. It has often been called the "most sweeping nondiscrimination legislation since the Civil Rights Act of 1964," and it was intended to provide broad protection for the estimated 18% of the U.S. population that lives with some level of disability. We all recognize that the passage of the ADA constituted a major step forward for this country because many of its provisions greatly enhance the rights of persons with disabilities to live full and independent lives.

However, I think that many of us here can also agree that there is still a long way to go to ensuring that the basic civil rights of this population are fully protected and respected. Recent Supreme Court decisions have chipped away the Americans with Disabilities Act - greatly limiting the number of people who are allowed to seek its protection. There is still widespread non-compliance with many of its provisions and there is a great deal of misunderstanding about the responsibilities it places on businesses, government, and individuals.

Here in Vermont, people with disabilities face many additional challenges due to the rural character of our state. Among our top priorities should be ensuring that we expand access to public transportation, and that we work to expand the stock of accessible, affordable housing. We are continuing Senator Jeffords' work in pushing the federal government to live up to its special education funding commitments. Ultimately, though, we need to work toward a system of care that covers the full lifespan, so people are not forced to navigate a complex and bureaucratic system of supports with maddening gaps in coverage.

I leave you all with one final statement: fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act is a goal that should concern everyon in this country, because we cannot claim to be a free and just society until we protect the rights of all our citizens.

Sincerely,

Bernard Sanders
United States Senator