Remarks By The President During Ceremony for the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 26, 1990 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT DURING CEREMONY FOR THE SIGNING OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The South Lawn 10:11 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Evan, thank you so much. And welcome to every one of you, out there in this splendid scene of hope, spread across the South Lawn of the White House. I want to salute the members of the United States Congress, the House and the Senate who are with us today -- active participants in making this day come true. (Applause.) This is, indeed, an incredible day. Especially for the thousands of people across the nation who have given so much of their time, their vision, and their courage to see this Act become a reality. You know, I started trying to put together a list of all the people who should be mentioned today. But when the list started looking a little longer than the Senate testimony for the bill, I decided I better give up, or that we'd never get out of here before sunset. So, even though so many deserve credit, I will single out but a tiny handful. And I take those who have guided me personally over the years. of course, my friends, Evan Kemp and Justin Dart up here on the platform with me. (Applause.) And of course, I hope you'll forgive me for also saying a special word of thanks to two who -- from the White House. But again, this is personal, so I don't want to offend those omitted. Two from the White House -- Boyden Gray and Bill Roper, who labored long and hard. (Applause.) And I want to thank Sandy Parrino, of course, for her leadership, and I again -- (applause) -- it is very risky with all these members of Congress here who worked to hard. But I can say on a very personal basis, Bob Dole has inspired me. (Applause.) This is an immensely important day -- a day that belongs to all of you. Everywhere I look, I see people who have dedicated themselves to making sure that this day would come to pass. My friends from Congress, as I say who worked so diligently with the best interest of all at heart, Democrats and Republicans. Members of this administration -- and I'm pleased to see so many top officials and members of my Cabinet here today who brought their caring and expertise to this fight. And then, the organizations. So many dedicated organizations for people with disabilities who gave their time and their strength and, perhaps most of all, everyone out there and others across the breadth of this nation are 43 million Americans with disabilities. You have made this happen. All of you have made this happen. (Applause.) To all of you, I just want to say your triumph is that your bill will now be law, and that this day belongs to you. On behalf of our nation, thank you very, very much. (Applause.) Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today, we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another "Independence Day," one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and MORE