DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and former Rep. Tony Coelho, chair of the DNC Disability Council and the primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), released the following statement celebrating the 31st anniversary of the ADA:
“Thirty one years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law, marking a historic moment for disability rights. The ADA prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life and has worked to ensure that the more than 60 million Americans with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
“President Biden and Democrats are dedicated to achieving a more equitable and inclusive country for people with disabilities. The American Rescue Plan provided billions of dollars in direct support to students, infants, and toddlers with disabilities and increased Medicaid funding to expand home and community-based services. In addition, President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda continues to prioritize making significant investments in resources and support for Americans with disabilities to ensure achievement of equality of opportunity, full participation in the workforce, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
“In the aftermath of disabled Americans’ historic turnout in 2020, it cannot go unstated that Republican anti-voter proposals to limit drop boxes, ban drive-through voting, and limit access to absentee ballots would disproportionately impact the approximately 38.3 million eligible voters with disabilities, especially those in communities of color. Democrats are committed to fighting back against these efforts to undermine our fundamental right to vote.
“Today, we celebrate the progress that has been forged in the years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we renew our pledge to continue working for the civil rights of people with disabilities—because every American deserves to live out their boundless promise.” |