Expressing Support for Designation of Disability Pride Day

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATION OF DISABILITY PRIDE DAY -- (House of Representatives - July 23, 2008)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, today there are approximately 51 million Americans living with one or more disabilities. This means approximately 18 percent of Americans report having one or more disabilities, which may include physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive or intellectual impairment, mental disorder or various types of chronic disease.

Without the contributions of Americans with disabilities we would be without some of our best athletes, artists, and most brilliant minds.

Jim Abbott, the only person in Major League Baseball to be born with one hand, has thrown a no-hitter and has won Olympic gold. Patty Duke, who was diagnosed with manic-depressive disorder, won three Emmy Awards for made-for-television movies and is a nationally recognized actress. Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with ALS, is one of the premier physicists in the world.

One-legged downhill skiers have been clocked during sporting events going more than 70 miles an hour. Authors without limbs have written best-selling novels. Blind violinists have played in Carnegie Hall. And the list goes on and on.

Americans with disabilities have contributed to America's culture and society in ways many of us with lesser challenges could not dream of. House Resolution 1355 recognizes the designation of Disability Pride Day, and urges everyone to honor Americans with disabilities.

I'm happy to join my colleague, Representative Danny Davis of Illinois, in support of this resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same.

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