Washington, D.C. Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI),

co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, introduced a resolution yesterday to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Langevin was joined by a bipartisan group of legislators, including House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Disabilities Caucus Co-chair Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

“As someone who has lived with a disability both before and after the enactment of the ADA, I can speak to the profound difference it has made in millions of lives, including my own,” said Langevin. “The ADA ushered in a new era of civil rights and has served as a beacon of hope for people with disabilities across the country and worldwide. On this important anniversary, I believe it is essential that we celebrate the progress we have made thanks to the ADA, and also recommit to fully realizing its goal of equal opportunity and inclusion for Americans with disabilities.”

Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides equal opportunities in the areas of employment, transportation, state and local government, public accommodations and telecommunications.

“As a lead sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I am proud to sponsor this resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of this landmark law,” said Whip Hoyer. “For twenty-five years, the ADA has opened doors of opportunity to millions of Americans with differing abilities – both literally and figuratively – so that they can lead more independent lives. The ADA is helping to change attitudes so that we focus on an individual’s abilities and what they can contribute to community and their nation. The ADA was the product of a true bipartisan effort, and I hope Democrats and Republicans will continue to work together to remove barriers to access, equality, and economic opportunity for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.”

“As the mother of a son with Down Syndrome, and a strong supporter of the disabilities community, I see firsthand the profound impact the ADA has had on so many,” said McMorris Rodgers. “There is still more work to be done to empower those with disabilities to overcome unnecessary obstacles to employment, independence, and the ability to achieve a better life. The ADA gave more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, just like my son Cole, the chance to live the American Dream and be defined by their potential—not their limitations.”

“The purpose of the ADA is to allow some fifty million Americans with disabilities to be integrated into all aspects of society. As the father of a child with an Intellectual Disability, I am proud to be a part of the continuing evolution of the expectations we have and treatment we exercise towards the disabled in this country,” said Harper. “I’m happy to work with Congressman Langevin on this issue and appreciate his leadership.”

“Our world changed for the better because of the ADA. We are all one medical diagnosis or one car accident away from a serious disability and the ADA is a commitment that we will continue to stand up for our neighbors’ right to live fulfilling lives,” said Duckworth, who also serves on the Disabilities Caucus. “As we look to the next 25 years of its implementation, it is time to take the next step–to ensure that good jobs, accessible housing, and reliable transportation takes all of us to the next level so that the 56 million Americans with disabilities can fully participate in the American Dream.”