26th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 26th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Twenty-six years ago this month, this landmark legislation was put into effect to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This month, organizations and advocacy groups across my district in central New York are coordinating events to recognize this milestone and the significance of the ADA to so many in our community.

In my district, ARISE--the designated independent living center for Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties--is vital to our local efforts to ensure that people of all abilities live fully integrated and self- directed lives. ARISE provides an array of services to assist central New Yorkers, including my brother-in-law, with disabilities and to help ensure that our local communities are inclusive for people of all abilities.

While the ADA has been in law for 26 years now, our work in Congress continues today. I am a proud cosponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act to help remove barriers for children with disabilities and to expand special education services. And I will continue to be supportive of efforts in the House to ensure people with all abilities are provided opportunities and independence.

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