McMahon Statement in Honor of ADA's 20th Anniversary

Statement

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Below is Rep. Michael E. McMahon's statement on the occasion.

"I'm sure most people today couldn't imagine the need to pass a law that prevents discrimination against persons with disabilities, and that very fact evidences just exactly how powerful the Americans with Disabilities Act is and how profound of an impact it has had on our national conscience.

"The ADA opened the door to countless opportunities for many of our friends and neighbors, and its 20th anniversary is one that is rightly being celebrated today across the country. Over 54 million Americans live with some form of a disability, and the best way we can all celebrate this landmark legislation is to continue to work to break down barriers for persons with disabilities because there is still more work that needs to be done.

"Every American -- regardless of whether they live with a disability or not -- is entitled to the same rights and we need to keep working to ensure this is true for persons with disabilities. There are still some old barriers standing as well as new challenges, such as quickly advancing technology, that prevent persons with disabilities from total equality, and the time to change that is now."

Rep. McMahon has become a vocal advocate for the rights of the disabled since coming to Congress.

On January 27, 2010, he introduced HR 4544, the Elizabeth A. Connelly Act, which would replace the term "mental retardation" with the term "intellectual disability" throughout the US Code. This bipartisan legislation is aptly named for former New York Assemblywoman Elizabeth A. Connelly, whose lifelong mission was to elevate the treatment of individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Rep. McMahon, who worked as Assemblywoman Connelly's counsel for many years, felt this was the most appropriate way to honor his former boss and mentor.

Last year, Rep. McMahon also secured a $1,440,000 appropriations grant to make the Historical Fort Hamilton Community Club ADA-compliant. Prior to receiving the grant, there was no ADA access at either of the Club's two entrances. The design solution consists of ADA-compliant ramps, an interior wheelchair lifts and access, and a new hydraulic elevator to the second floor.

The House of Representatives also celebrated the 20th Anniversary by having Rhode Island Representative Jim Langevin preside over the House floor. This is the first time Rep. Langevin, who is on his fifth-term in Congress and in a wheelchair, has presided over the House, making him the first disabled Member of Congress to do so.

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