American Disabilities Act allows for productivity

[Guest guest]

American Disabilities Act allows for productivity

http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2007/dec/22/american-

disabilities-act-allows-productivity/

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed with

overwhelming majorities in both houses of Congress. Its premise was

that people with disabilities want to work and be productive and

integrated members of their communities, and that they have not had

an equal opportunity to do so. It was intended to end unjust

discrimination based on disability. When President H. W. Bush

signed the ADA in 1990, he said, " Every man, woman, and child with a

disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new

era of equality, independence, and freedom. " I had the opportunity

to be present at the signing of this law, and it means a great deal

to me as a person with a disability.

Unfortunately, 17 years later, people with disabilities are still

being judged unfairly, often being kept from the promise of earning

a living for themselves and their families because of unfair

discrimination. Instead of protecting people with disabilities, our

courts have created a no–win situation, refusing to protect many

whom Congress clearly wanted covered by the ADA. Employers have been

allowed to say a person is " too disabled " to do the job but

not " disabled enough " to be protected by the law. The facts are that

people with disabilities are two-and-a-half times more likely to

live in poverty, and have an employment rate of only 35% nationally.

This should be unacceptable in a society that believes all people

are created equal. We cannot afford to leave a large percentage of

our population behind.

The ADA Restoration Act (H.R.3195 / S.1881) would restore the

original intent of the ADA, and allow people with disabilities to be

judged based on performance – just like women, minorities, and the

rest of the American workforce. The ADA Restoration Act has strong

bipartisan support in the US House and was introduced recently in

the US Senate. I would like to thank the several MN Representatives,

including Collin and Oberstar, for co-sponsoring this

bill.

It is time to keep the promise of the ADA for all people with

disabilities. Congress can help by passing the ADA Restoration Act.

Please join me in urging Senators and Klobuchar to support

S. 1881, and allow the ADA to reclaim its place among our nation's

most honorable civil rights laws.

Nate Aalgaard, director

Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.

Fargo, N.D.