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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act on the 33^rd anniversary of its signing into law. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.

“For 33 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been tremendously successful in breaking down barriers and providing millions of individuals with a better quality of life,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “While we’ve made progress, much work remains to be done. Disability rights are civil rights, and as co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I will continue to work to protect all people living with disabilities in every area of their lives, and ensure equal access to all the same spaces, information, resources, and opportunities.”

“On the 33^rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must recognize the meaningful strides that this landmark law has taken to prohibit discrimination against Americans with disabilities,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I am proud to always work across the aisle to support the disability community and address the challenges that they face everyday.”

“The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights landmark for the 61 million people living with disabilities in our Nation,” said Senator Casey, Chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. “In the 33 years since its passage, we have made great progress in access, opportunity, and ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate in their communities. At the same time, we must remember that the ADA was intended to be the beginning, not the end of our work. We must continue to make investments that ensure that people with disabilities aren’t just surviving, but thriving.”

Background on the Americans with Disabilities Act:

• The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that bans discrimination against Americans who face disability challenges in all areas of the public including schools, employment, transportation, and the general public.
• Protections are granted to Americans with disabilities, similar to protections given to individuals to prevent discrimination based upon race, sex, color, national origin, age, or religion.
• The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for disabled individuals in public accommodations, transportation, employment, government, and telecommunications.

Read the text of the resolution here.