25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of this week's 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law July 26, 1990.

This milestone piece of legislation marked a positive step forward in affording Americans with disabilities the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It represented a significant change in national anti-discrimination laws, making discrimination against Americans with disabilities in the private sphere illegal, and requiring reasonable public accommodation. However, there is still work to be done to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. Some still trail the population in many economic indicators, as they are twice as likely to be poor and one-fifth as likely to be employed. The ADA was a major step toward ensuring economic independence.

In my district, the Disability Student Support Services project at Queens College was recently awarded a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will help fund that program. This program aids a group of 100 students in their studies at Queens College, and provides them the support they need to ensure that they graduate.

I would like to commend my constituent, Charmaine Worthy, for her efforts in the CUNY system serving disabled students. As the University Coordinator of Student Activities, she has worked tirelessly to empower CUNY students. Thank you, Ms. Worthy, for your important work. You are a shining example of the importance of giving back to one's community.

Educational and economic gaps that persist between disabled Americans and their peers shrink through people like Ms. Worthy, institutions like CUNY, and the grants that fund these important programs.

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