Hoyer Awarded George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of People with
Disabilities

    Posted on July 26, 2005:

Hoyer Received Award at the National Council on Disability's 15th
Anniversary Observance of the ADA

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) was awarded the George
Bush Medal for the Empowerment of People with Disabilities last night at
the National Council on Disability's 15th Anniversary Observance of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Former President George H.W. Bush
presented him with the award. As the lead sponsor of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 in the House of Representatives, Congressman
Hoyer shepherded the ADA to overwhelming approval. Over the past 15
years, Hoyer has fought to ensure that the promise of the ADA is
fulfilled for all people with disabilities.

Congressman Hoyer released the following statement today, on the 15th
Anniversary of the ADA's enactment:

"I am deeply honored to receive this award, joining the ranks of
dedicated champions of the disability movement, such as the late Justin
Dart, Jr., former Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, disability activist
Patricia Wright, and several others.

"Fifteen years ago today - the day President George H.W. Bush signed the
bipartisan Americans With Disabilities Act into law - was one of my
proudest moments in public service.

"For far too long, people with disabilities suffered the cold chill of
exclusion. But with the enactment of the ADA - the world's first
comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities - the
warm breeze of inclusion began to sweep across America.

"Over the last 15 years, there is no doubt that the physical landscape
has changed for people with disabilities. Ramps, curb cuts, Braille
signs, captioned televisions and chair lifts are just a few examples.

"However, despite our progress, it is clear that the promise of the ADA
remains unfulfilled for too many Americans with disabilities. Only about
one-third of people with disabilities are employed. They are three times
more likely to live in poverty. And, the Supreme Court, in several
decisions, has failed to give the ADA the broad interpretation that
Congress intended when we passed it.

"Today, we must renew our commitment to the principles and spirit of the
ADA, and recognize that our work is not done. The ADA allowed us to tear
down the wall of exclusion and pour a strong foundation for the house of
equality. But that house is still being built.

"The promise of the ADA remains unfulfilled, but is still within reach."

The George Bush Medal Committee was established by the disability
community in 1992 and is intended to reinforce the nation's commitment to
keeping the promise of the ADA to all Americans and to encourage the
spirit of ADA throughout the world.

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the
President and Congress on disability policy issues and representing
people with disabilities on policy matters. It was established as an
independent agency in 1984, and the Council drafted early versions of the
ADA.