On July 26th 1990, the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enabling Americans who had limited or no access to the services so many people take for granted. Thanks to this dual partisan legislation that was passed in both Houses under Bush’s leadership, doors that were closed tight to wheelchair-bound individuals opened automatically, ramps were built where previously only stairs were available, public transportation became accessible to tens of thousands.
As civil rights attorney Arlene Mayerson who co-founded the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund in the 70’s says, “It was like the Declaration of Independence for people with disabilities– days that many people in that audience thought they’d never see.” (Source: ABC News)
Barbara Bush shared her husband’s concern for disabled Americans and was particularly concerned with children and adults with learning disabilities. The Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation and Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE are part of her legacy.
President Bush had a vision, and he turned that vision into a reality. Through his leadership, the ADA enabled the disabled. As President George H. W. Bush put it,
“It was the fair and right thing to do. I think there are a lot of people who if given access to the workplace, for example, can achieve things. But if they are denied that they are denied a shot at the American dream.” (Source: ABC News )
That dream is still unattainable for so many of our fellow Americans. But the ADA Barbara Bush Foundation are major steps toward helping fulfill that dream. And for those achievements, we at LD Resources Foundation www.ldrfa.org salute George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. We offer our sincere appreciation as we look to open the doors even wider to those Americans who feel marginalized because of the challenges they face.
George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush will be missed by their family and friends. We hope they will be comforted with the knowledge that, because of their efforts, so many disabled Americans are leading better, easier and more productive lives.