Title
Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and honoring the career of Senator Thomas Harkin who fought tirelessly to advance the rights and improve the quality of life of individuals living with disabilities.
Body
WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most significant piece of civil rights legislation for individuals with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years the ADA, like other pieces of civil rights legislation, has helped bring about a more inclusive America, one where every person has the right to participate in all sectors of society and be recognized for his or her accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Employment discrimination based on a disability is prohibited. Integration regulations requiring public entities to offer services, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting is now in place and enforced. The ADA has ensured mil¬lions of people with disabilities have the opportunity to live productive and meaningful lives in the community; and
WHEREAS, Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the ADA would not be complete without recognizing the significant contributions of Senator Thomas Harkin, the primary author of the ADA; and
WHEREAS, Senator Harkin has dedicated his life to public service beginning in 1962 when he was an active-duty jet pilot in the United States Navy, where he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves through 1989; and
WHEREAS, Senator Harkin's 40 year career in Congress started in1975 in the United States House of Representatives, and continued in the United States Senate from 1985 to 2015; and
WHEREAS, Senator Harkin saw firsthand the barriers individuals with disabilities confronted because his brother Frank was deaf since childhood. Senator Harkin knew limited job opportunitie...
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