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ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day1993
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ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day1993
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Records of the Office of the Public Liaison (Clinton Administration)
William "Bill" White's Files
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FOIA Number: 2007-0143-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Public Liaison
Series/Staff Member:
William White, Jr.
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
14204
FolderID:
Folder Title:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day 1993
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
31
2
9
3
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Bob Sevigny to Debbie Fine; RE: Personally Identifiable Information
07/26/1993
b(6)
[partial] (3 pages)
002. memo
Bob Sevigny to Debbie Fine; RE: Personally Identifiable Information
07/26/1993
b(6)
[partial] [duplicate of 001] (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
William White, Jr.
OA/Box Number: 14204
FOLDER TITLE:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day 1993
2007-0143-F
db4551
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAJ
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA)
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Disabled
Disability
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 12, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE SILVERMAN
FROM:
Mike Lux, Debbie Fine
SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
As we discussed, July 26th is the third anniversary of the
enactment of the ADA. We are hoping to either hold a reception
in the State Dining Room that morning before the President leaves
for Chicago, or to have him do a site visit to a disability
facility while in Chicago.
In order to strengthen the message that disability policy is
important to this administration, we are hoping that the relevant
departments will plan their own events or attend the White House
sponsors. In the very least, we hope that the departments will
issue press statements recognizing the importance of the ADA as
civil rights legislation, and pledging to enforce it. (The more
directly relevant departments are Justice, HHS, HUD,
Transportation, Education, and Labor.)
Attached is background information on this you may find helpful.
We will talk to Arthur Jones, and appreciate anything you can do
to help out with coordinating this effort. Thanks for your
help.
cc: Alexis Herman
Steve Hilton
Danny Wexler
There me
tu te
THE WHITE HOUSE
Schedule Request
WASHINGTON
7/6/93
*
ACCEPT
REGRET
PENDING
TO:
Marcia Hale
Assistant to the President and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Alexis Herman
Assistant to the President and Director
of Public Liaison
REQUEST:
Meeting with the Administration
appointees with disabilities, followed
by a reception celebrating the third
anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act in the State Dining
Room.
BACKGROUND:
This is a critically important day in
the disability community; Senator Harkin
and the DNC also feel strongly about
doing an event on this day.
A briefing with the Administration
appointees with disabilities would occur
preceding the reception. This will
provide an opportunity for the President
to meet his appointees and to be briefed
on issues of concern to people with
disabilities that pertain to the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION: A meeting with the leadership of various
disability groups was scheduled for June
2, and then cancelled. It has not been
rescheduled.
DATE AND TIME:
July 26th; afternoon.
DURATION:
Approximately one hour.
LOCATION:
The Oval Office for the briefing and the
State Dining Room for the reception.
PARTICIPANTS:
For the briefing:
Marca Bristo; Chairperson, National
Council on Disability
Judy Heumann; Assistant Secretary
of Special Education and
Rehabilitation Services, Department
of Education
Paul Steven Miller; Director of
Disability Outrach, White House
Office of Presidential Personnel
Bobby Simpson; Commissioner of
Rehabilitation Service, Department
of Education
Fernando Torres-Gil; Commissioner
of Aging, Department of Health and
Human Services
List of participants for the reception
to be provided; a maximum of 200.
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
A 15-30 minute meeting with the
Administration appointees with
disabilities in the Oval Office.
The participants would then join those
already in the State Dining Room.
The President enters, and makes remarks
on the importance of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and its enforcement as
the key to integrating all people with
disabilities, linking this to the
President's legislative priorities.
The President does a receiving line and
exits.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Speech to be provided by Communications,
in addition to a briefing by Office of
Public Liaison.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Pool press during remarks in State
Dining Room.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR MARCIA HALE, ALEXIS HERMAN, RICKI SEIDMAN, ANNE
STOCK, MELANNE VERVEER
FROM:
Mike Lux
SUBJECT: ADA Anniversary
Attached is a letter from Senator Harkin to the President with
some suggestions on commemorating the anniversary of the
enactment of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Whether we
pursue Harkin's specific ideas or not, I would strongly urge that
we do some kind of big event that day to honor the anniversary,
including some sort of reception at the White House. Such an
event would be a big political boost to us with the disability
community, and could help promote the long term care piece of our
health reform package.
CC: Steve Hilton
Bob Boorstin
Bob Sevigny
Susan Brophy
05/06/93
08:52
002
TOM HARKIN
(202) 224-3264
TTY (202) 224-4633
IUWA
COMMITTEES
AGRICULTURE
United States Senate
APPROPRIATIONS
SMALL BUSINESS
WASHINGTON. DC 20510-1502
LABOR AND HUMAN
RESOURCES
May 5, 1993
Dear Mr. President:
July 26, 1993 marks the third anniversary of the enactment
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). July 26 also marks
the day that telephone companies nationwide are required by the
ADA to provide telephone services that enable individuals who are
deaf and others to communicate with individuals who hear. This
will be accomplished through a "relay system" under which an
individual who is deaf or an individual who has a speech
impairment calls an operator using a text telephone (TTY); the
operator, who also has a TTY, then voices the message to the
hearing person. what an important day for people like my brother
Frank, who is deaf!
I have often referred to the ADA as the 20th century
"emancipation proclamation* for individuals with disabilities.
Around the country people with disabilities celebrate the 26th of
July as Disability Independence Day.
You can make this year's anniversary the best ever by
joining the disability community in celebration. This is an
historic opportunity to restate your commitment to forge a
national disability policy based on three simple creeds:
independence, not dependence; inclusion, not exclusion; and
empowerment, not paternalism.
Perhaps, you could hold a town meeting on your national
disability policy, including a discussion of the ADA and health
care reform attended by individuals with disabilities, family
members, the business community, educators, health care
professionals, and others. At the town meeting, you could
demonstrate the relay system by accepting a call from a deaf
person, such as I. King Jordon, the President of Gallaudet
University. In addition, you could issue an Executive Order
directing Federal agencies to ensure equal opportunity for
employees and members of the public who do business with the
agencies.
210 WALNUT ST.
350 WEST 6TH ST
733 FEDERAL BLDC
315 FEDERAL DLDG.
DES MOINES, IA 50309
DUBUQUE. IA 57001
(515) 284-4574
(319) 582-2130
ATH AND KHOADWAY, MOX H
BOX 74884
131 E ATH 57
320 6TH ST.
317 FEDERAL BLOG.
LINDALE MALL
3148 FEDERAL B.DG.
110 FEDERAL BLOG.
COUNCIL BLUFFS. IA 51502
CEDAH HAPIDS. IA 52407-4884
DAVENPORT, IA 52801
SIOUX CITY, IA 51101
(717) 325-0036
(319) 393-6374
(319) 322-1338
(712) 252-1550
05/08/93 08:53
003
I would be glad to help you plan these or other activities
which you may wish to pursue celebrating the third anniversary of
the landmark ADA.
Sincerely,
Tem Harkin
U.S. Senator
The Honorable Bill Clinton
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
2028630010
Justin Dart, Jr.
05/21/93 11:55
P01
EMPLOYMENT
THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON
114056 COMMITTEE
EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
1331 F STREET. N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004 1107
(202) 376-6200 VOICE (202) 376 6205 TDD (202) 376-6219 FAX
CHAIRMAN
JUSTIN DART
luxmil.m18
May 21, 1993
CONFIDENTIAL
To: Mike Lux, Debbie Fine, Paul Miller
From: Justin Dart
Subject: Presidential Involvement in an ADA Anniversary Event
You have asked for suggestions for participation by the President
in one or more ADA anniversary events, around July 26th.
The President could make a speech followed by questions on ADA and
other disability-related issues in a kind of town meeting setting
ditte
attended by representatives of the major disability community
constituencies, business and labor and showcasing his disability
community appointees. Also present could be members of the
administration and Congress who are advocates for people with
disabilities who happened to be available - people like Senator
Harkin, Congresspersons Hoyer, Owens and Schroeder; Attorney
General Reno, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and
the Chair of EEOC, Secretaries Shalala, Reich, Cieneros and Pena
and leading White House staff, such as yourselves. Of course it
would be great if Mrs. Clinton and Vice President and/or Mrs. Core
could attend. The President's personal participation could bc
preceded, off and/or on comera by dialogue involving White House
staff, representatives of the administration and Congress, and
disability community leaders.
The event could be connected by sotellite to two or three uplinked
locations around the nation to enable two way dialogue, and
broadcast to every state by C-SPAN or through downlinks. The
American Disability Channel is willing to arrange the TV coverage
al no cost to the government, and would promote additional network
and cable coverage.
It has been suggested that the event be held at Gallaudet
University, an international symbol of disability rights
leadership. July 26th 1993 will be the date that the ADA
requirement for a telephone relay system for the deaf comes into
force. The first question following the President's remarks could
be made through the relay system from a person with deafness.
Uplinks could be at a major urban area like Los Angeles, a rural-
DIGNITY, EQUALITY, INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EMPLOYMENT
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE
MARKING INITIALS: PB DATE: 12/4/17
2028630010
Justin Dart, Jr.
05/21/93 11:56
P02
agriculture area like the Illinois-lowa quad cities, and perhaps a
place in the South like Atlanta, Houston or Dallas. Los Angeles
and Colifornia have become symbolic of our national problems. The
quad cities site would attract people from Iowa, Illinois,
Wisconsin, Missouri and possibly Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota,
Indians and Michigan.
This scenario would allow the personal involvement of the
representatives all major disability community constituencies in
every state willing to organize a formal or informal gathering.
For the tirst time we have a good beginning list of who those
people are, and we have established contact with them.
For the last three months a team of three young Clinton Campaign
leaders, three President's Committee executives and myself have
conducted OPERATION PEOPLE FIRST. This is an intensive telephone
survey to find the leadership of every major disability
constituency in every state, bring them together, and support their
empowerment in the democratic and productive processes. By June
fourth we will have held at least one 90 minute telcconference in
each of the fifty states with 19-25 key leaders of persons with
visual and hearing impairments, physical and psychiatric
disabilities, mental retardation, learning disobilities, AIDS,
military connected disabilities, their families and service
providers, etc. Our PEOPLE FIRST TEAM and network list would be
available to you. I would also recommend including selected
leaders of business, labor, aducation, government and the public
media. We have those contacts.
Alternative scenarios would include holding the meeting in an
outside-the Beltway area place, with brief visits to disability-
related entitics; attending an already organized ADA anniversary
event, such as the July 25th parade and rally in New York City; a
major disability policy speech; or simply a strong written and
video disability policy statement (the President has already made
such statements - I would hope that something more could be done).
I and the PCEPD staff will cooperate in any way possible. Please
call me at 202-488-7684, or Rick Douglas or John Lancaster at 202-
376-6200.
I deeply appreciate your leadership and that of the President to
empower people with disabilities in government and the productive
mainstream of America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 19, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR MARCIA HALE
FROM:
Alexis Herman
SUBJECT: Americans With Disabilities Act
Attached are two requests for events dealing with the disability
community. This is what I propose in order to ensure we deal
effectively with this constituency.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Schedule Request
7/19/93
ACCEPT
REGRET
PENDING
TO:
Marcia Hale
Assistant to the President and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Alexis Herman
Assistant to the President and Director
of Public Liaison
REQUEST:
For the Achilles Track Club to run with
the President.
BACKGROUND:
This is a NY based organization with a
membership of approximately 200 disabled
who try to keep people with disabilities
active in athletics. It would be a
great photo op for the President to run
with several from this group on the
morning of July 26th, the third
anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
DATE AND TIME:
The morning of July 26th.
DURATION:
Flexible.
LOCATION:
To be determined.
PARTICIPANTS:
List to be provided.
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
To be determined.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
None.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Open
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Schedule Proposal
7/19/93
ACCEPT
REGRET
PENDING
TO:
Marcia Hale
Assistant to the President and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Alexis Herman
Assistant to the President and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
REQUEST:
For the President to meet with leaders
from the disability community.
PURPOSE:
To discuss disability policy,
demonstrating commitment to issues
affecting people with disabilities and
showing appreciation for those who
supported the President's election.
BACKGROUND:
This meeting was scheduled for June 2nd,
and then indefinately postponed.
The politics of the disability community
are complicated and often volatile.
During the campaign, leaders on both the
national and the grassroots level were
periodically disappointed with the
perceived lack of inclusion of people
with disabilities in Presidential
speeches and events. To date, the
President has not done anything publicly
with the disabled -- while former
President Bush is hosting a luncheon on
July 30.
Although we have done meetings with
representatives from this community,
particularly with the health care task
force, it is important that the
President personally show his commitment
by meeting with a group of leaders that
we will select.
The community is growing more anxious,
and I believe that a meeting with the
President will not only prevent a
problematic situation from developing,
but possibly mobilize an active voting
bloc to action around the President's
budget.
DATE AND TIME:
Week of July 26.
DURATION:
30-45 minutes
LOCATION:
Roosevelt Room
PARTICIPANTS:
List to be provided, approximately 30
participants.
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
The President will meet with
administration appointees with
disabilities for 15 minutes prior to
meeting for a briefing in the Oval
Office.
The appointees will join the meeting
participants in the Roosevelt Room. The
President will enter; an informal
dialogue will follow.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Talking points and background briefing
will be provided by Public Liaison.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Closed to the press.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 16, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR CABINET CHIEFS OF STAFF
FROM:
STEVE SILVERMAN pas
SUBJECT:
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) will take place on July 26, 1993. In order to emphasize
the importance of disability policy to this administration, White
House Public Liaison asks that you encourage your Cabinet
Secretary to issue a press statement or commemorate this day in
some appropriate manner.
If your principal or the agency expects to participate in some
way, please inform Debbie Fine of White House Public Liaison
(456-2930). Thank you for your attention to this matter.
CC: Debbie Fine
Jennifer Allen
July 15, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE SILVERMAN
FROM:
Mike Lux, Debbie Fine
SUBJECT: The ADA Anniversary
In light of the administration's focus on reconciliation for the
next few weeks, we have decided not to hold a reception
celebrating the third anniversary of the ADA at the White House.
Instead, we are working with Carol Rasco to issue an executive
order on disability policy, while continuing to work with the
departments on getting press statements issued, and on pulling
together more substantial events where appropriate. Your help is
much appreciated on this.
In addition, we would like to see if there is a way we can work
something into the Job Training Conference in Chicago that day.
Depending on what the format is, it might be a good idea to have
either Judy Heuman, Assistant Secretary for OSERS at Education or
Justin Dart, Chair of the President's Committee on the Employment
of People with Disabilities contribute to the program in some
capacity. This would be in addition to mention of the ADA in the
President's remarks that day.
Any suggestions or advice you have on this would be much
appreciated. Thanks for your help.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR MARCIA HALE AND ALEXIS HERMAN
FROM:
Mike Lux
SUBJECT: ADA Anniversary
In light of the need to focus on reconciliation, I would like to
withdraw my request for an event celebrating the third
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am working
with Carol Rasco to get an executive order ready to be issued on
that day, in conjunction with acknowledgement in the President's
remarks at the Jobs Training Conference in Chicago.
I would underscore that this makes our commitment to reschedule a
meeting with the disability community critical to uphold for many
reasons. If we are not able to commit to such a meeting for
August, I think we're in for a firestorm in the disability
community, particulary since former President Bush has already
called a meeting for July 30th.
CC: Danny Wexler
Steve Hilton
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mike Lux, Debbie Fine
FROM:
Bob Sevigny, DNC Disability Outreach
RE:
Activities Marking ADA Anniversary on July 26, 1993
DATE:
June 11, 1993
Yesterday, we held a teleconference with a group of Presidential appointees and representatives
from the disability community to discuss activities that might be taken by the President and the
Administration to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Participants in this meeting included: Judy Heumann, Marca Bristo, Bobby Silverstein, Paul
Marchand, Pat Wright, Paul Miller and myself. Although all participants agreed that an event
marking the anniversary was essential, concern was expressed that possible delays in the passage
of the President's Budget Plan might interfere with any major event planned for July 26th --
particularly any event requiring significant preparation for the President such as the previously
discussed televised "town meeting" idea.
With that in mind, there was a consensus that perhaps a smaller and less elaborate event would
be more appropriate for this year. The following recommendations were made:
- A walking tour of a portion of Tacoma Park, Maryland (along the lines of the
President's walking tour of Georgia Avenue in D.C.). Tacoma Park is a community that
is often cited as an example of how successful, and relatively low cost, modifications can
enable widespread access to buildings and facilities for people with disabilities. This
event would provide ample opportunities for TV shots of the President inspecting such
modifications and meeting with small business proprietors and local residents to discuss
the benefits of these changes. This would be the keynote event.
- If time permits, a second element should be a follow-up reception in which the
President or the Vice President would drop by Gallaudet University to meet with people
with disabilities and leaders in the community. This could take no more than 20 to 30
minutes and would again provide excellent photo opportunities. Gallaudet is recognized
around the world for its leadership in providing education and opportunity for the Deaf
and would be an outstanding setting to emphasize the accomplishments and empowerment
of people with disabilities. This would also go a very long way in building relations with
the Deaf community which has felt profoundly alienated from the Administration.
Because Gallaudet is a Federally supported institution, the President is technically in
charge of the University. I understand that no President since Lyndon Johnson has
visited the University.
- As recommended in Senator Harkin's letter to the President, at some point on July 26th
(perhaps on the way to the follow-up reception at Gallaudet) the President should be
filmed making a phone call using the newly established "relay system" (mandated under
the ADA) which enables hearing people and deaf people to communicate without the
assistance of a T.D.D. or other devices.
- In conjunction with whatever events are scheduled, it was requested that the President
issue an order or memorandum directing Cabinet members and other heads of agencies,
or their designees, to conduct disability awareness events on July 26th. These events
would include meetings with both disabled employees of the various departments and
constituency groups from the disabilities community. These events could include
seminars on ADA and other disability issues. Additionally, it might be useful to provide
a brief (approximately 5 minutes) videotaped statement by the President on disability
issues for use at these and other events. (This videotape should then be made widely
available to communicate the President's position on disabilities issues). Either in the
context of the video tape or by means of a Presidential letter or directive to all agency
heads reiterating that the President's commitment to diversity in hiring for his
Administration includes hiring of people with disabilities. If this recommendation is
accepted, it is likely that a letter would have to be issued from the President's Office
within the next two weeks to give agency heads time to make the necessary
arrangements.
- Also during this time period (on or before July 26th), Attorney General Reno should
be asked to issue a statement reaffirming her and the Administration's strong support for
implementation of ADA and other provisions of the law pertaining to the rights of people
with disabilities. A similar statement from Dona Shalala should also be considered.
All of these proposed events and statements should be structured to underscore the President's
campaign commitment to establish a national disability policy based on three simple creeds:
inclusion, not exclusion; independence, not dependence; and empowerment, not paternalism.
luler echie
ADA BILLA Expo
need year full
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Disah. Mls
event
Records
TEL:1-202-452-5624
Jun 29,93
16:44 No.021 P.01
DREDF
Cisacility Rights Education and Cefense Fund. Inc.
Law. Public Policy. Training and Technical Assistance
1633 Q STREET, NW, SUITE 220
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009
202/986-0375
FAX: 202/462-5624
FAX TRANSMITTAL
DATE: 6.29.93
TO: Debbie Fine
FAX #: 202 456218
FROM: Pat Wright
MESSAGE:
TOTAL #: OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS SHEET: 6
TEL :1-202-462-5624
Jun 29,93
16:44 No.021 P.02
Thursday June 10, 1993 6:01pm .. From '5124420522' Page 1
06/18/93 18:24
512 442 #522
ADDPT OF TX
P.01
OUR " PEOPLE
FAX
Cover sheet
Number of Pages
8
Oncluding this sheet)
SENDER'S INTO
DATE 6/10/93
Directed To Liz, Maralyn Pat
From Suphavic Thomas
Fax # 202/462 5024
Telephone # 5121442-0252
Telephone #
Notes: Did you know the DOJ J. is sending calledans out
these lowely letters? When 6 asked what
their critena was so we wouldn't waste
time filing woper complaints they
Special Instructions plan to ignore, Bowen could
not say. Their referals are joke. So we
are going to count with our PE A now and
ann one who has a problem and no D.D. friends
is left to search for
TO THE RECIPIENT OF THIS FAX:
For AN
a lawyer.
INSTITUTION
FREE AMERICA!
TEL:1-202-462-5624
Jun 29,93
16:45 No.021 P.03
Thursday June 10, 1993 6:01pm -- From '5124420522' ** Page 2
06/10/93 18:26
512 442 0522
ADOPT OF TX
P.02
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Public Access Section
DNO-14
no Done 66338
DNO-15
Richington, nc 20025-6733
3
202-76-16
202-76-17
MAY 12 1993
DJ 202-76-18
202-76-21
Ms. Stephanie Thomas
ADAPT of Texas
1339 Lumar SQ DR #B
Austin, Texas 78704
RE: DNO-14
Sound Warehouse, Austin, Texas
DNO-15
Supercute, Austin, Texas
DJ 202-76-16
Clarksville Pottery and Gallery, Austin, Taxes
DJ 202-76-17
Trudy's Southern Star. Austin. Texas
DJ 202-76-18
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Austin. Texas
DJ 202-76-21
Doo Holliday's. Austin. Texas
Dear Ms. Thomas:
This letter is in response to your letter of April 16, 1993,
to Joe Russo, an attorney with the Public Access Section, about
15 complaints that members of the Austin ADAPT have filed with
this Section. Five of your complaints have been referred to the
Ocordination and Review Section of the civil Rights Division
because they involve allegations of violations of title XI of the
ADA. or the remaining ten, we opened investigations of four, and
have closed or are closing the six others.
I regret that we are not able to take action on all the
TEL :1-202-462-5624
Jun 29,93 16:46 No.021 P.04
Thursday June 10, 1993 6:01pm From '5124420322' Page 3
06/10/93 18:27
8 512 442 0522
ADOPT OF TX
P.03
- 3 -
complaints that members of your organisation have filed with us.
No do not have the authority or resources to pursue each
allegation of a title III violation, and ve find increasingly
that we have to make decisions - - and often difficult ones - -
1
not to open investigations even when it appears that violations
exist. However, of the approximately 1000 investigations that we
have opened, about 50 concern entities in Texas, and seven relate
to Austin area businesses. While the six matters listed above
have been or soon will be closed, ve are actively investigating
the four others about which you asked (DJ 202-76-5, Pecan Street
cafe; DJ 302-76-6, Apple Tree Grocery store; DJ 202-76-15, 7 Days
Food Store, and DJ 202-76-19, Dance Across Texas). The attorney
assigned to the first two is Ken Nakata. Ms. Babe Novich is the
attorney handling the other two.
For your information, I am enclosing a copy of the type of
letter Ve usually send to complainants in response to complaints
from Texas that we are not pursuing.
We will also be writing separately to the individual
complainants concerning the Muscular Dystrophy Association and
Doc Holliday's.
Again, I an sorry that we cannot further assist you with
these six complaints. If you would like to discuss any of the
complaints that you have filed, please feel free to call no at
202-307-2245. We look forward to continuing to work with
your organisation and its members.
Sincerely,
L. Irone Bowen
Deputy Chief
Public Access Section
Inclosure: Sample letter with state List
TEL:1-202-462-5624
Jun 29,93 16:46 No.021 P.05
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RDSPT OF TX
P.94
This is the DOJ
Form letter to
blow off
potentially
DJ 302- -
discriminated
against folles
Re: DJ 202-
-
Respondent
Dear
8
We have received your correspondence alleging violations or
title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42
U.S.C. $$ 12181-12189.
The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") authorizes the
Department of Justice to investigate alleged violations of title
III, which prohibits discrimination against persons with
disabilities by public accommodations and commercial facilities.
42 U.S.C. s 12188 (b) (1) (A). However, the Department of
Justice may seek judicial relief only in instances where there
uppears to be a pattern or practice of discrimination or where an
issue of general public importance is involved. Any such action
is taken on behalf of the United States. We do not act as an
attorney for, or representative of, an individual.
After a review of the matter you have raised, we have
decided not to take any further action. This decision does not
constitute an interpretation of whether a violation of the ADA
occurred and it does not affect your ability to pursue other
legal remedies, including filing & private suit in Federal court.
In addition to contacting a private attorney, there are a
number of avenues that you may pursue in order to resolve your
complaint, including consulting State or local authorities,
disability rights organizations, or organisations that provide
alternative dispute resolution services (such as arbitration or
nagotiation). For your convenience, we have enclosed a list of
organisations serving your area. These listings come from
various sources, and our office can not guarantee that the
listings are current and accurate. These groups may be able to
refer you to national or regional groups with a focus on a
particular type of disability. Your 100ml or State bar
association may be able to give you names of private attorneys or
TEL:1-202-462-5624
Jun 29,93 16:46 No.021 P.06
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06/10/93 10:29
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noort OF TX
P.85
- "N w
mediation services. Some Better Business Bureaus are also
prepared to help settle ADA complaints.
We suggest that if you contact any of these organizations,
you let them know that you have received this letter from us, so
that they will not forward your complaint to our office.
We are also enclosing a copy of our title III regulation and
Technical Assistance Manual for your reference. If you have any
questions concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may
call our information line at (202) 514-0301 between 1 p.m. and 5
p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. We regret that we cannot be of
further assistance to you in this matter.
Sincerely,
L. Irene Bowen
Deputy Chief
Enclosure
State list
Title III regulation
Title III Technical Assistance Manual
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mike Lux, Debbie Fine
FROM:
Bob Sevigny
RE:
Events Marking ADA Amniversary
DATE:
June 28, 1993
This follows up on our previous discussions regarding events to mark the upcoming ADA
anniversary in July. In conjunction with other planned events marking this anniversary, the
leaders of the disability community requested that the White House direct Cabinet members, or
other high-ranking designees, to conduct disability awareness events on July 26th. This could
be similar to recent events conducted to mark Gay Pride Day. As envisioned, these events
should include meetings with both disabled employees of the various departments and
constituency groups for the disabilities community. These events could also include seminars
on ADA and other disability issues. It is suggested that the departments should be requested to
establish working groups of disabled employees working in each department to help refine topics
that should be covered in the context of this event. in general, issues to be included would
include: access to facilities for people with disabilities; diversity in hiring people with
disabilities; impact of access considerations on the particular agencies programmatic
responsibilities; and the significance of the ADA and other legislation relating to people with
disabilities on the operations of the agencies both internal and external.
I am also including some suggestions on programmatic topics that might be appropriate for
specific agencies:
- Agriculture: Identifying and meeting the nutritional needs of people with disabilities.
- Commerce: Role of people with disabilities in business. How to encourage people
with disabilities to enter into the business world, particularly small business.
- Defense: Role of people with disabilities working for the department and for various
contractors and subcontractors. Enforcement of non-discrimination mandate on
contractors and subcontractors.
- Education: Changing roles of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services in the
lives of people with disabilities.
- Health and Human Services: Impact of benefit programs on people with disabilities,
highlighting successes and identifying new goals and objectives.
- Interior: Efforts to make National Parks and other public lands and facilities
accessible and useable to people with disabilities.
- Justice: ADA enforcement and eduction efforts.
- Labor: Job training efforts for people with disabilities and efforts to encourage
government contractor compliance with non-discrimination requirements.
. State: Growing international movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities.
- Transportation: Challenge of providing people with disabilities access to public and
common carrier transportation including: rail, bus, subways, and aviation.
- Veterans Affairs: Meeting the needs of disabled veterans.
MEMORANDUM
TO: LUX
FR: FINE
RE: ADA INDEPENDENCE DAY
DT: June 6, 1993
Everyone agrees that something must be done to celebrate ADA
Independence Day. I will outline the options, as described by
Bob Sevigny and Justin Dart separately. It would be ideal to
make a final decision on what to do in the next couple of days,
so that I can get in a schedule request before I go. Even though
it's very far in advance, at least we can say that we've
submitted it.
I. Marca, Justin, and Senator Harkin (see attached) discuss
doing something like a speech, and then Q & A in a town hall
setting as their first choice. Justin Dart talks about
doing this at Gallaudet University, and satelliting out to a
few locations.
Justin's memo details some ideas on this. (see attached)
II. Having a proclamation signing ceremony at the WH naming July
26 as Disability Independence Day. (I need to check on
whether not.) this is a proclamation that gets signed already or
III. Participating in an event that is already organized
The one that everyone mentions is the Disability
Independence Day march and rally in New York on Sunday July
25. Judy Heumann and Justin Dart are already participating
in this.
IV. Visiting a disability related entity
V. A major disability policy speech (involving health care,
and ADA enforcement)
VI. A strong written and video disability policy statement
(Justin expresses his hope that this will not be the option
chosen because such statements have already been made.)
VII. Issuing an Executive Order directing Federal agencies to
ensure equal opportunity for employees and members of the
public who do business with the agencies.
ON THE OPTIONS
My sense is that a town meeting is out and a major
disability policy speech is out. I also have a feeling that
they wouldn't schedule him for the event in NYC unless he
was already scheduled to be there for something else.
It's possible that a signing ceremony would be a good idea,
although participating in an existing forum is usually
easier.
Otherwise, we may want to do some combination of the above,
using a VIP surrogate (preferably not a person with a
disability) to read a statement from the President. I don't
think people will love this option, however.
I also like the idea of visiting a facility.
I also want to touch back with Bob to see if there are any
other existing events that may not be so far away. I found
an info sheet on a conference called ADA Expo '93 on
"Complying with the Law through Technology". This takes
place in DC from 7/26 - 7/29. We could bring Gore's shop
into this, and it's local.
MORE GENERALLY
Regardless of what we decide, the following should be considered:
1. Bob Sevigny thinks it's important that we confer with Marca
and Justin on whatever we do.
2. Coordination
We can make a central part of the message of whatever we do
stronger by involving other people in some capacity (either by
coordinating statements that are released, or something) for
example; the Attorney General, Secretary Shalala, Secretary
Riley, or Secretary Reich. (I think the AG will probably be
doing something since law is the real issue here, and we should
coordinate with her office; I also think some sort of involvement
of training and education could be very effective even just with
a statement or by the presence of Reich or Riley somewhere.)
Obviously Presidential appointees with disabilities will be
included, but I think it is very important that some reps of the
administration without disabilities be included.
Congresspeople mentioned: Senator Harkin, Congressman Major
Owens, Congressman Hoyer, Congresswoman Schroeder, Senator Bob
Kerrey, Congressman Tom Andrews. We'll need to coordinate with
Legislative Affairs; there are some Congresspeople who will be
upset if we don't do anything to recognize the day.
Others: Asst AG for Civil Rights, Chair of EEOC
3. Message
a. We may want to talk about PAS task force, or at least to use
this date as some sort of internal benchmark for progress with
the PAS task force. This obviously depends on where we are with
health care.
b. 7/26/93 is the day that the ADA requirement for telephone
relay system for the deaf becomes effective. Justin suggested
that the President could use the relay system to make a call as
a part of whatever he does.
4. Whatever we do we should maximize publicity within the
disability community because it's a no-lose type of thing.
briefing on video
disability hc
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mike Lux/Debbie Fine
FROM:
Bob Sevigny
RE:
Activities Marking ADA Anniversary
DATE:
May 20, 1993
fend memo
- I strongly concur with the suggestion that a significant event should be scheduled
marking the anniversary of the enactment of the ADA on July 25 or 26. This would be
a superb opportunity to cement relations with the disabilities community and enlist them
in support of the President's program -- particularly the health care reform plan which
will be public by that date.
- Several large events are occurring around the country marking this anniversary which
could provide a suitable vehicle for us. I have attached materials I received from the
people organizing the Disability Independence Day march in New York on Sunday the
25th. Justin Dart and Judy Heumann have already committed to participate in the New
York event.
- I believe that in planning for this event, whatever the final location, we should confer
closely with Marca Bristo, Chairwoman Designate for the National Council on
Disabilities, and Justin Dart. Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of
People with disabilities.
- I spoke with Marca Bristo on Wednesday regarding this matter. She and Justin both
suggest that we consider having the President conduct a national town meeting with the
disabilities community marking this anniversary. It should be possible to get at least one
national network to broadcast such an event and it would give us a tremendous reach to
the nearly 43 million people in the disabilities community. Of course, the issues to be
discussed would also have an interest/appeal to the broader population. As far as I know
this would be an unprecedented event for people with disabilities.
- Another possible, if somewhat more conventional, event marking this date would be
a White House reception for key people from the disabilities community marking this
anniversary. We could use this event for a Presidential Proclamation naming July 26 as
Disability Independence Day. If we have not already taken action on a PAS Task Force
by that date, this would also be a useful event to announce its creation/appointment.
young
x
- We should certainly have key leaders from the disabilities community participating in
these events. Participants in such events should be representative of the full range of
Gool
people with disabilities including people with hearing impairments, mental retardation,
developmental disabilities and a range of other non-mobility related disabilities. In
addition, all Presidential nominees/ appointees from the disabilities community should
be present (both of them?).
- It will be important to have key members of the House and Senate that have been
active in disabilities rights issues involved in any such events. In particular, Senator
Harkin, Congressman Hoyer, and Congressman Major Owens should play a role in such
events. In addition, Senator Bob Kerrey and Congressman Tom Andrews -- both of
whom have disabilities should be involved. It would also be very useful to try to involve
the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General in such events.
- Of course, any such broadcast or other televised events would need to be close-
captioned and sign language interpreters will need to be present at all times. We should
plan on video taping any such event(s) and making it available for the widest possible
distribution within the disabilities community.
coordinate w/
Dero on 7/26
events
05/06/93
08:25
002
(202) 224-3204
TOM HARKIN
TTY (202) 224-4633
IDWA
COMMITTEES
AGRICULTURE
United States Senate
APPROPRIATIONS
SMALL BUSINESS
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1502
LABOR AND HUMAN
RESOURCES
May 5, 1993
Dear Mr. President:
July 26, 1993 marks the third anniversary of the enactment
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). July 26 also marks
the day that telephone companies nationwide are required by the
ADA to provide telephone services that enable individuals who are
deaf and others to communicate with individuals who hear. This
will be accomplished through a "relay system" under which an
individual who is deaf or an individual who has a speech
impairment calls an operator using a text, telephone (TTY); the
operator, who also has a TTY, then voices the message to the
hearing person. what an important day for people like my brother
Frank, who is deaf!
I have often referred to the ADA as the 20th century
"emancipation proclamation" for individuals with disabilities.
Around the country people with disabilities celebrate the 26th of
July as Disability Independence Day.
You can make this year's anniversary the best ever by
joining the disability community in celebration. This is an
historic opportunity to restate your commitment to forge a
national disability policy based on three simple creeds:
independence, not dependence; inclusion, not exclusion; and
empowerment, not paternalism.
Perhaps, you could hold a town meeting on your national
disability policy, including a discussion of the ADA and health
care reform attended by individuals with disabilities, family
members, the business community, educators, health care
professionals, and others. At the town meeting, you could
demonstrate the relay system by accepting a call from a deaf
person, such as I. King Jordon, the President of Gallaudet
University. In addition, you could issue an Executive Order
directing Federal agencies to ensure equal opportunity for
employees and members of the public who do business with the
agencies.
210 WALNUT ST.
350 WEST 8TH ST.
733 FEDERAL BLOC
318 FEDERAL AI DG
DES MOINES. IA 50309
DUBUQUE. IA 52001
(515) 284-4574
(318) 587-2130
ATM AND KNONDWAY Mr)X M
ROX 74884
131 C. 4TH ST
320 6TH ST
317 FEDERAL BLDG.
LINDALE MALL
3148 FEDERAL BLDG.
110 FEDERAL BLOG.
COUNCIL BLUFFS. IA 51502
CEDAH HAMIDS. 1A 52407-4884
DAVENPORT, LA 42801
SIOUX CITY. IA 51101
(712) 325-0034
(219)
(319) 322-1338
(712) 252-1550
05/06/93 08:26
003
I would be glad to help you plan these or other activities
which you may wish to pursue celebrating the third anniversary of
the landmark ADA.
Sincerely,
Zon Tear Harkin
U.S. Senator
The Honorable Bill Clinton
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mike Lux/Debbie Fine
Bob Sivigny
FROM:
Paul Steven Miller
DATE:
June 10, 1993
SUBJECT: July 26, 1993 Anniversary
Attached, for your information, is a copy of a letter from the National
Organization on Disability inviting the President to their July 26th event. As you are
probably well aware, lots of organizations, both in DC and around the country are planning
their own Independence Day events so it is important to get our word out before leaders are
committed doing other events. I look forward to this afternoon's discussion with you.
NOD
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY
HONORARY CHAIRMAN
Gerald R. Ford
910 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
DIRECTORS
Vincent A. Sami, Chairman
Chairman and CEO
PPG Industries, Inc.
James S. Brady, Vice Chairman
June 9, 1993
Former White House Press Secretary
Alan A. Reich, President
Hon. William J. Althaus
Mayor of City of York, PA
BY MESSENGER
President, U.S. Conference of Mayors
Philip E. Beekman
Chairman and CEO, Hook-SupeRx, Inc.
Henry B. Betts, M.D.
The Honorable William J. Clinton
Medical Director and CEO
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
President of the United States of America
Richard Bishop, Esq.
Bertram S. Brown, M.D.
Forensic Medical Advisory Service
The White House
Tony Coelho
Managing Director
Washington, D.C. 20500
Wertheim, Schroeder & Co., Inc.
Douglas D. Danforth
Retired Chairman
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Dear Mr. President
Richard M. DeVos
N.O.D. Founding Chairman
Retired President, Amway Corporation
Stephen L. Feinberg
Chairman and CEO
It is our privilege to invite you to address a group of several
Dorsar Industries, Inc.
Bruce G. Freeman
hundred people, disabled and non-disabled, at a celebration on July
Chairman
Marts & Lundy, Inc.
26 of the third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
George H. Gallup, Jr.
Chairman
The George H. Gallup
The occasion marks the passage of the foremost civil rights
International Institute
William R. Howell
legislation in history on behalf of the nation's 43 million people
Chairman and CEO
J.C. Penney Co., Inc.
with disabilities.
Joseph D. Mathewson
President and CEO
Mid-America National Bank of Chicago
Mercedese M. Miller
President
The celebration will take place in the Upper Senate Park
SERD/BTS, Inc.
Mary Jane Owen, Director
north of the U.S. Capitol Building, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
National Catholic Office
for Persons with Disabilities
However, we shall be pleased to adjust the time to accommodate
John W. Patten
Publisher, BusinessWeek
your availability. We have asked N.O.D. Board member, Tony
Itzhak Periman
Robert C. Pew
Coelho to introduce you.
Chairman
Steelcase, Inc.
Russell G. Redenbaugh
Chairman and CEO
Action Technologies, Inc.
People from communities across the country, as well as
Jeffrey P. Reich
Senior Managing Director
national disability leaders, will attend. A highlight will be the
Bear Steams & Co., Inc.
Michael T. Rose
presentation by Jim Brady, our Vice-Chairman, of a 1993 wheelchair
President
Michael T. Rose Companies
accessible van donated for the occasion by Care Concepts, Inc. of
Raymond Philip Shafer
Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Counselor, Dunaway & Cross
Phoenix, Arizona. It will be presented to the mayor of the
W. Reid Thompson
Retired Chairman
community selected in a nationwide essay contest. We invite you,
Potomac Electric Power Company
Reverend Harold Wilke
also, to participate with Jim in this presentation.
Director, The Healing Community
John T. C. Yeh
Chairman
IMS Technologies, Inc.
Please join us, Mr. President. We hope you will agree this is
Raul Yzaguirre
President
National Council of La Raza
a ready-made opportunity for you to express to the nation's
disability community and to the world your continuing commitment
Robert J. Saner II Esq., Counsel
White, Verville, Fulton & Saner
to expanding the participation and contribution of people with
Edward Kennedy, Jr.
disabilities in American life.
Special Ambassador for
U.N. Disability Initiative
CONGRESSIONAL SPONSORS
Sen. Robert Dole, KS
Sincerely yours,
Sen. Tom Harkin, IA
Sen. Daniel Inouye, HI
Sen. Edward Kennedy, MA
Sen. Paul Simon, II
Rep. Michael N. Castle, DE
aland
Rep. Julian Dixon, CA
Rep. Steny Hoyer, MD
Alan A. Reich
James S. Brady
Rep. Major R. Owens, NY
Rep. Al Swift, WA
President
Vice Chairman
Rep. Henry Waxman, CA
202-293-5960 TDD 202-293-5968 FAX 202-293-7999
NOD
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY
HONORARY CHAIRMAN
Gerald R. Ford
910 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
DIRECTORS
Vincent A. Sarni, Chairman
Chairman and CEO
PPG Industries, Inc.
James S. Brady. Vice Chairman
Former White House Press Secretary
Alan A. Reich, President
Hon. William J. Althaus
Mayor of City of York, PA
President. U.S. Conterence of Mayors
Philip E. Beekman
Chairman and CEO, Hook-SupeRx, Inc.
June 9, 1993
Henry B. Betts, M.D.
Medical Director and CEO
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Richard Bishop, Esq.
Bertram S. Brown, M.D.
Forensic Medical Advisory Service
Tony Coelho
Managing Director
Wertheim. Schroeder & Co., Inc.
BY MESSENGER
Douglas D. Danforth
Retired Chairman
Honorable Paul Miller
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Richard M. DeVos
N.O. Founding Chairman
Director of Disability Placement
Retired President. Amway Corporation
Stephen L. Feinberg
Presidential Personnel Office
Chairman and CEO
Dorsar Industries, Inc.
The White House
Bruce G. Freeman
Chairman
Washington, D.C. 20500
Marts & Lundy, Inc.
George H. Gallup, Jr.
Chairman
The George H Gallup
International Institute
Dear Paul:
William R. Howell
Chairman and CEO
IC. Penney Co., Inc.
Joseph D. Mathewson
It was good seeing you on Monday and hearing your excellent
President and CEO
Mid-America National Bank of Chicago
presentation at the meeting of the Federal Task Force. Thank you
Mercedese M. Miller
President
SERD/BTS, Inc.
very much for coming. It meant a lot to the group, as you could tell.
Mary Jane Owen, Director
National Catholic Office
for Persons with Disabilities
John W. Patten
As I mentioned, we are eager to have President Clinton
Publisher. BusinessWeek
Itzhak Perlman
address the ADA celebration now being planned. A copy of today's
Robert C. Pew
Chairman
letter from Jim Brady and me to the President is attached.
Steelcase, Inc.
Russell G. Redenbaugh
Chairman and CEO
Action Technologies, Inc.
Jeffrey P. Reich
I would appreciate it, Paul, if you would help us by ensuring
Senior Managing Director
Bear Steams & Co. Inc.
that President Clinton accepts our invitation. As I mentioned, we
Michael T. Rose
President
also are asking Tony Coelho to help with this request.
Michael T Rose Companies
Raymond Philip Shafer
Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Counselor, Dunaway & Cross
W. Reid Thompson
With many thanks and all good wishes,
Retired Chairman
Potomac Electric Power Company
Reverend Harold Wilke
Director, The Healing Community
Sincerely,
John T. C. Yeh
Chairman
IMS Technologies. Inc.
Raul Yzaguirre
President
alan
National Council of La Raza
Robert J. Saner II Esq., Counsel
Alan A. Reich
White, Verville, Fulton & Saner
President
Edward Kennedy, Jr.
Special Ambassador for
U.N. Disability Initiative
Enclosures
CONGRESSIONAL SPONSORS
Sen. Robert Dole, KS
Sen. Tom Harkin, IA
Sen. Daniel Inouye, HI
Sen. Edward Kennedy, MA
Sen. Paul Simon, II
Rep. Michael N. Castle, DE
Rep. Julian Dixon, CA
Rep. Steny Hoyer, MD
Rep. Major R. Owens, NY
Rep. Al Swift, WA
Rep. Henry Waxman, CA
202-293-5960 TDD 202-293-5968 FAX 202-293-7999
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
POLITICAL DEPARTMENT
PH 202-863-8000
FAX 202-863-8196
FAX COVER SHEET
Debbie Fine
TO:
FROM:
Robert Sevigny - Director, Disability Outreach
DATE:
7-7-93
TIME: 12:2c AM/PM-EST
456-62787929 # OF PAGES (incl. cover):
2
FAX:
SUBJECT:
FYI
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION,
PLEASE CALL BOB AT 202-863-8098.
COMMENTS:
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED. THIS MESSAGE
MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED. CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT. OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR
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COMMUNICATION IN ERROR. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE AND RETURN THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE TO US
AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS VIA THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE. THANK YOU.
Democratic National Committee
July 6, 1993
Via Fax
Kitty Higgins
Chief of Staff
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Dear Ms. Higgins:
We are currently working together with the White House to plan and coordinate events
marking the July 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The White House
indicated that they felt that Secretary Reich, as the only Cabinet member with a disability, might
be interested in participating in these events - both in the context of whatever event occurs at
the White House and, possibly, a separate joint event with several other Cabinet officials,
including Attorney General Reno and Secretary Shalala.
Currently, the plan for the White House event envisions a brief meeting between the
President and disabled appointees to the Administration and a Rose Garden ceremony where the
President would make a statement and possibly sign either a directive or proclamation
concerning disability issues.
We would clearly welcome participation by Secretary Reich and by you and your staff
to help us plan a suitable event. Please have someone on your staff who we can coordinate with
on this event contact me immediately at 863-8098. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bob Sevigny
Director of
Disability Outreach
430 South Capitol Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 863-8000
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee. Contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Today is the third anniversary of the enactment of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. This landmark piece of legislation is a
comprehensive civil rights law that provides protection from
discrimination on the basis of disability. As we look today
toward the future of the American workforce, we need to remind
ourselves that the key to this future is the empowerment of all
our workers, including those with disabilities. As I've said
many times, we don't have a single person to waste in America.
Our workforce training plans must reflect the commitment of the
ADA to include and empower our citizens with disabilities.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 12, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR JOHN PODESTA AND TODD STERN
FROM:
Mike Lux, Debbie Fine
SUBJECT: Special Letter Request
July 26th is the third anniversary of the enactment of the
Americans With Disabilities Act, which is a very important day in
the disability community. One of the major events celebrating
this day is a parade in New York City.
Although we do not know exactly what the President will do in
honor of this day, we are certain that he will not be
participating in this parade. Paul Miller from White House
Personnel, however, will attend. We would like him to read a
statement from the President that acknowledges the importance of
the ADA in the history of the civil rights movement in general,
and its importance in improving the lives of people with
disabilities in particular.
Background materials are attached. Thanks for your help.
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 06
Disability Independence Day March '95
April 23, 1993
To: President William Jefferson Clinton
From: Daniel S. Robert, Co-chair, DIDM '93
Dear President Clinton,
On Sunday, July 25, 1993, 'the community of persons with
disabilities of the Greater New York area, our friends and
allies will come together in an historic demonstration of
pride and unity to commemorate the third anniversary of the
signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26, 1990).
Among those already committedto marching with us and speak-
ing at our rally are Justin Dart, Chairman of the President's
Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities, Judy
Heumann, co-founder of the World Institute on Disability,
Prof. Frank Bowe of Hofstra University, one of the outstanding
heroes of the modern disability rights movement and Sharon
Mistler, whose work I believe you know. Additional probable
speakers include Sen. Paul Wellstone, Dennis Rivera, Pres.
Local 1199, NYC Health and Hospitals Workers Union and
Mayor David Dinkins.
Mr. President. this community is well aware of your deep
e-pathy with our struggle, your fervent committment to the
expeditious implementation GE the ADA and to the overall en-
hancement of quality of life for Americans with disabilities.
We look to you and to Vice President Core for help and guidance
in our efforts to acquaint the 'temporarily able-bodied'
majority with our goals and entitlements, with our new self-
image as the 'able disabled!.
Please regard this letter as a formal invitation to the
Clinton and Gore families to march with us on July 25, to
celebrate with us our emancipation from the centuries of
darkness in which we were regarded as less than human. Share
our jubilation. Speak to us of the dawning of a new era.
We are still negotiating with the NYC Police Department
about the route of our march. But the location of the rally,
Madison Square Park (5th Avenue at 23rd Street in the Chelsea
section of Manhattan) is pretty well set, as is the time,
3:30 to 5:30 PM. We've invited a number of perfomers, includ-
ing Pete Seeger and the National Theater of the Deaf to con-
tribute to the festivities. There will be floats and marching
bands a real parade!
Ilean be reached by phone at 212-366-0432 or by fax at 212-
337-0801. I've sent our Platform and a few other pieces to
fill in the picture, including a list of sponsors and endorsers.
CC: Sen. Harkin, Rep. Owens, Bob:Sevigny
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 05
Disability Independence Day March '93
DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY REGULAMATION
WHEREAS, throughout history, people with disabilities
have been oppressed.
AND WHEREAS, in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, the non-
disabled majority continues to regard persons with disabilities
as inherently inferior, as lacking the ability to fully
participate in the mainstream.
AND WHEREAS persons with disabilities continue to be
discriminated against in the areas of employment, public
service (including activities of state and local governments),
public transportation, public accomodations (including business
and service providers Gad privataly-Minanced public transpor-
tation) and teiecommunications.
AND WHEREAS, the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT of 1990
manuates the elimination of discrimination in these areas or
American life, mondates the expeditions removal of all barriers
to full participation the persons with disabilities in these
critical facets of the aforementioned instream.
AND WHEREAS July 26 is the annivermary of the signing of
this ACT,
BE IT HEREWITH RESOLVED and PROCLAINED THROUGHOUT THE LAND
that from this time forward, JULY 26 shall be known as
DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY.
WE who issue this PHOCLAMATION urge all Americans, non-
disabled and disabled alike, to celebrate as one the birth
of a new era of equality and justice.
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 01
ATIN.
BOB SEVIGNY
PLATFORM
FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL
DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY MARCH
Sunday, July 25, 1993
I am strongly committed to full implementation
and enforcement of the ADA, because I believe
our entire nation will share in the economic
and social benefits that will result from full
participation of Americans with disabilities
in our society
My agenda for our country and for people with
disabilities goes beyond full implementation
of the ADA. I am committed to fighting for a
national health care system which provides
universal access to affordable, quality health
care, with more options for personal
assistance services for the elderly and for
persons who are disabled.
(Letter from President Elect Bill Clinton to
the ADA Employment Summit. December 1, 1992.)
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 02
The text of the ADA begins with the following "FINDINGS AND
PURPOSES" (sec.2) which we, the community of persons with
disabilities, wish to re-endorse and re-affirm.
a) FINDINGS. - The Congress finds that -
(1) some 43,000,000 Americans have one or more physical or
mental disabilities, and this number is increasing as the
population as a whole is growing older;
(2) historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate
individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements,
such forms of discrimination against individuals with
disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social
problem;
(3) discrimination against individuals with disabilities
persists in such critical areas as employment, housing, public
accommodations, education, transportation, health services,
voting, and access to public services;
(4) unlike individuals who have experienced discrimination on
the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or
age, individuals who have experienced discrimination on the
basis of disability have often had no legal recourse to
redress such discrimination;
(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter
various forms of discrimination
outright
intentional exclusion, the
discriminatory
effects of
architectural, transportation and communication barriers,
overprotective rules and policies, failure to make
modifications to existing facilities -nd practices
exclusionary qualification standards and oriteria,
segregation, and relegation to lesser services, programs,
activities, benefits, jobs, and other opportunities;
(6) census data, national polls, and other studies have
documented that people with disabilities, as a group, occupy
an inferior status in our society, and are severely
disadvantaged socially, vocationally, economically,
and
educationally;
(7) individuals with disabilities are a discrete and insular
minority who have been faced with restrictions and
limitations, subjected to a history of purposeful unequal
treatment, and relegated to a position of political
powerlessness in our seciety, based on characteristics that
are beyond the control of such individuals and resulting from
stereotypic assumptions not truly indicative of the individual
ability of such individuals to participate in, and contribute
to, society;
(8) the Nation's proper goals regarding individuals with
disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full
participation, independent living, and economic self-
sufficiency for such individuals; and
(9) the continuing existence of unfair and unnecessary
discrimination and prejudice denies people with disabilities
the opportunity to compete on an equal basis and to pursue
those opportunities for which our free society is justifiably
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 03
famous, and costs the United States billions of dollars in
unnecessary expenses resulting from dependency and
nonproductivity.
(b) PURPOSE. - It is the purpose of this Act -
(i) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for
the elimination of discrimination against individuals with
disabilities;
(2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable
standards addressing discrimination against individuals with
disabilities;
(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role
in enforcing the standards established in this Act on behalf
of individuals with disabilities; and
(4) to invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including
the power to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate
commerce, in order to address the major areas of
discrimination faced day-to-day by people with disabilities.
The avowed purpose of the Disability Independence Day March
is:
- to commemorate the third anniversary of the signing into law of
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990;
- to celebrate our emergence as a powerful political, economic, and
creative force in the mosaic of the American mainstream; and
to signal our determination to continue to flight for equality at
every level of this society.
Out first Disability Independence March was held on July 26,
1992. It focused on "Employment" mitle I of the ADA, which went
into effect on that date. Specifically, we confronted the City of
New York with its failure to modify its Affirmative Employment Plan
to include goals and timetables for the employment of qualified
persons with disabilities. Inasmuch as this issue has not yet been
resolved, we are committed to continue the struggle.
The 1993 Disability Independence Day March has a two-fold
theme. One focus is UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATION. Title IV of the ADA,
"Telecommunications", which goes into effect July 26, 1993,
guarantees "to make available to all individuals in the United
States a rapid, efficient, nationwide communication service". This
is a great victory but it only begins to address the vast range of
barriers to communication. Deaf and hard of hearing persons cannot
possibly be equal participants in the mainstream without access to
and participation in a supportive network of services and of
certified and qualified interpreters. Persons with cognitive,
visual, verbal and other disabilities also experience obstacles to
communication. Access to technology is one of the means whereby
these barriers could be minimized. The theme of "Universal
Communication" compels us to find ways of understanding each other
both within the community of persons with disabilities and within
society as a whole.
05/20/93 09:26
PAGE 04
The other focus of the 1993 Disability Independence Day March
is UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, which was purposefully omitted from the
ADA. We believe that the community of persons with disabilities
has a critical role to play in the re-examination of the health
care system. Our experiences with access, affordability and
adequacy of the private and public health care systems can provide
consistent and valuable quidelines for policy makers. Access to
health care is a civil rights issue for all people, both with and
without disabilities. Lack of access to health care can create
obstacles to full participation in employment, community activities
and family life. The participants in the Disability Independence
Day March take the position that "Universal Health Care" is a right
not a privilege. We place particular emphasis on personal
assistance services (PAS), and on self determination in all
decisions concerning treatment and rehabilitation. We support
health care reform based on principles of non discrimination,
comprehensiveness, appropriateness, equity and efficiency.
In conclusion, with this Disability Independence Day March, we
are calling upon persons with all types of disabilities to come
together to develop a common agenda; to create a unified, coherent,
all-inclusive vision of the future. Without unity, the ADA will
forever remain a hollow promise. Without pride in our individual
and common identities as persons with disabilities, there can be no
progress. We can and will start the unifying process NOW.
We have a window of opportunity that will not
open again in our lifetimes. Let us join
together, members of the disability community,
business, labor and government. Let us work
together to keep the promise of the ADA and
the American Dream for all our citizens. (Justin
Dart)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR JOHN PODESTA AND TODD STERN
FROM:
Mike Lux
SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act
Attached are several summaries of the ADA and related issues,
including some that we asked the Department of Justice to prepare
for the President.
You should also be aware that based on a request from the Office
of Public Liaison, Cabinet Affairs asked the chiefs of staff at
all of the departments to consider organizing activities or
issuing statements honoring the third anniversary of the ADA.
A summary follows:
On July 26th, the Attorney General will meet with leaders in the
disabilities community; she will meet with several business
leaders on the importance of enforcement of the ADA and why it is
good for business; she will also visit businesses in Tacoma Park,
Maryland that have successfully complied with the ADA
requirements.
The Department of Education is planning three days of seminars on
the ADA and other disability related issues.
The Department of Health and Human Services will issue a
statement to the press on July 26th, and will swear in Bob
Williams as Administrator of Administration on Developmental
Disabilities on July 28th.
Most of the other departments and agencies are issuing statements
to the Press, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and
EEOC. On Monday, we will put together a packet of all statements
issued to the press. The packet will include a statement from
the President, which is being read at celebrations in various
cities around the country.
1331 F Street, N.W.
EMPLOYMENT
Washington, DC 20004-1107
202-376-6200 (Voice)
COMMITS
PEOPLE
202-376-6205 (TDD)
I
202-376-6219 (Fax)
me
niws
President's Committee on Employment
of People with Disabilities
26
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Dina Dorich
or
John Donnelly
(202) 376-6200
For Immediate Release:
MARRIOTT, UAL AND NORDSTROM EXECUTIVES TO ADDRESS
BUSINESS FORUM ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov.23-- A full-day forum to provide businesses
with examples of successful and innovative ideas for
implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will
be conducted in Washington, D.C. on December 7 by the President's
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
Included among the featured speakers who will report on
successful programs for hiring workers with disabilities are J.
Willard Marriott, chairman and president of Marriott Corporation
Stephen Wolf, chairman and chief executive officer of UAL, and
Nordstrom co-chair John Nordstrom. Dozens of small business and
association executives will also present and attend.
The emphasis of the forum, says Rick Douglas, executive director
of the President's Committee, will be on helping small businesses
understand ADA, identifying resources and opportunities, and
providing practical information based on successful experience.
Owners, operators and representatives of businesses have been
invited to participate in the program, which will include panel
discussions, presentations of case histories and comments by
government officials and members of Congress, including Senator
Tom Harkin and Representative Major Owens.
During the morning program, to be moderated by Roscoe Swann, Jr.,
director of Minority Business Development for Amtrak, panelists
from trade associations are scheduled to outline efforts to
educate their membership on business opportunities and market
potential.
The afternoon session will focus on how small businesses can
build effective local partnerships with public and private
-2-
vocational rehabilitation organizations and the disability
community. John Kemp, executive director of the United Cerebral
Palsy Association, will moderate.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed by Congress
in 1990, prohibits discrimination in the workplace and guarantees
civil rights to America's 43 million people with disabilities.
Beginning in July of 1994 the legislation's provisions on
employment will take effect for businesses with 15 or more
employees. The law now covers those with 25 or more.
Douglas says the forum will be "a real dialogue with the business
community, not a monologue" and will provide opportunity for an
exchange of information between those small businesses affected
by ADA.
Among the participants will be disability leaders, Administration
officials, representatives of organized labor and trade
associations, franchisees, corporate executives and small
business owners.
The information presented at the forum will assist the
President's Committee in the development of ADA informational
materials which will be distributed to small businesses to assist
them in their ADA implementation. The forum is a first step in a
multiyear and multipronged long-range national program.
The forum will be held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building,
Room G-50 from 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on December 7, 1993. For
additional information, contact the President's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities, 1331 F Street NW,
Washington, D.C. 20004.
-30-
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Bob Sevigny to Debbie Fine; RE: Personally Identifiable Information
07/26/1993
b(6)
[partial] (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
William White, Jr.
OA/Box Number: 14204
FOLDER TITLE:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day 1993
2007-0143-F
db4551
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Debbie Fine
FROM:
Bob Sevigny, Disability Outreach
RE:
List of Invitees to Meeting with President Clinton.
DATE:
July 26, 1993
Attached is a tentative list of attendees to the meeting with President Clinton and their security
information:
NAME
ORGANIZATION DOB
SSN
PHONE #
Bobby Charles Simpson
AK Dept of Voc.
501-682-6708
[001]
Rehabilitation
*(Connie Simpson)
(Wife/Attendant)
Denise A. Figueroa
NICL
518-274-0701
Mike Auberger
ADAPT
303-733-9324
Robert Williams
CCD PAS
202-842-1266
Task Force
Max Starkloff
Paraquad, Inc.
314-534-5100
*(Colleen Starkloff)
Paul Marchand
The ARC
202-785-3388
Oral O. Miller
American Council
(b)(6)
202-467-5081
of the Blind
James Gashel
Nat'l Federation
410-659-9314
of the Blind
Hardy Stone
Head Injury Surv.
301-443-3593
Edward Theordore Smith
Dir. of Civil Rights
919-733-0431
North Carolina
*(Lamont Goins)
Attendant
Marca Bristo
NCD Nominee
312-226-5900
Laurie Flynn
NAMI, Dir.
703-524-7600
Justin Dart
President's Comm.
202-488-7684
Clinton Library Photocopy
Joseph A. Rogers
Nat'l Mental Health
215-735-6082
Consumer Self Help
Clearing House
I. King Jordan
Gallaudet
202-651-5005
(John MarkEnnis)
Interpreter
Daniel Bross
AIDS Action Cncl
202-986-1311
Ann Marie Vinup
Learning Disab.
410-665-3309
Assoc. of America
Donald Galloway
Disabled Intern'l
202-535-1311
USA
Linda Tonsing Gonzales
Rural Independent
505-471-1001
Living
Nancy Ward
Chairperson, Nat'l
402-476-0002
Self Advocacy
Steering Committee
E95680
I
Patricia McGill Smith)
Assistant/Aide
(b)(6)
John Kemp
Executive Director
202-842-1268
UCP
Ben Soukup
President, National
301-587-1788
Association of the
Deaf
Patrisha Wright
DREDF
202-986-0375
Judi Chamberlin
Coordinating Com.
617-353-3549
of the Nat'l Assoc.
of Psychiatric Surviv
Edward V. Roberts
World Institute on
510-655-5946
Disabilities
(Lee Brian Roberts)
Son
Frederick A. Fay
D.R.I.V.E.
508-371-0992
Judy Heumann
Dept. of Educ.
202-205-5465
Asst. Sec for Special
Ed. & Voc. Rehab.
(Andrea Dove)
Attendant
Clinton Library Photocopy
Fernando Torres-Gil
HHS or Asst. Sec
for Aging
Paul Miller
White House
202-456-7026
Mike Lux/Debbie Fine
White House
Minyon Moore
DNC
202-863-7112
(b)(6)
Constituency Directo:
Bob Sevigny
DNC Disability
202-863-8098
Outreach Director
*(Sean Hecker)
(Assistant)
** Names with asterisks only need security clearance to enter the White House. not for
admission to the meeting with the President.
Clinton Library Photocopy
One of the participants in the meeting will be Justin Dart,
who recently resigned as head of the President's Committee
on the Employment of People with Disabilities. After he
resigned, you put in a call to him and had some very
positive correspondence back and forth. Dart, although a
Republican and close personal friend of George Bush, has
been extremely positive about you and the administration,
both publicly and privately.
The issues I expect people to raise during the meeting
include:
- Implementation and Enforcement of the ADA. They want
more funding for enforcement and an executive order to all
agencies on implementation and enforcement. Domestic Policy
Council and HHS are working on a policy paper that may
become an executive order, but it is not done yet.
- Health Care Reform. They are strong advocates of very
extensive long term care program, and want to ensure
equitable treatment under managed care.
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS). During the campaign,
you had pledged to appoint a task force on PAS. We have not
yet done that, but are looking at the issue in the health
reform task force, and intend on appointing a commission
later under the auspices of the National Commission on
Disabilities for looking at non-health related PAS issues.
- Personnel Issues. Although several high visibility
people with disabilities have been appointed so far, they
will probably raise concerns that not enough people with
disabilities have been appointed yet, particularly in areas
not directly related to disability issues.
III. PARTICIPANTS
28 Participants (see attached)
Senator Harkin
Representative Hoyer
Fernando Torres-Gil, Assistant Secretary on Aging
Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitation Services
Paul Miller, White House Personnel
Alexis Herman
Mike Lux
Kathy Way, Domestic Policy Council
IV. PRESS PLAN
Closed
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
You enter Roosevelt Room
You will make brief opening remarks
At the end of your remarks you should introduce Bobby
Simpson. Hhe will thank you for all you've done and
will then introduce 4-5 other people for questions or
statements.
Informal discussion
You should make closing remarks.
VI. REMARKS
Talking points attached.
Meeting with Disability Leaders
Tuesday July 27
TALKING POINTS
Thanks to everyone in this room, and the strong leadership
of Senator Harkin and Congressman Hoyer, we celebrated the
third anniversary of the enactment of the ADA yesterday. I
want you to know that this administration strongly supports
that legislation and will provide strong enforcement of it.
Our administration is committed to this legislation from top
to bottom, as the activities of Attorney General Reno and
many other government agencies yesterday showed.
I also want to thank all of you here who helped so much on
my campaign.
I want to acknowledge the members of my administration, as
well as those nominated but not yet confirmed, who are here
with us today and who have been leaders in the disabilities
community for years:
Marca Bristo, Nominee for Chair of the National Council on
Disabilities
Judy Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitation Services,
Department of Education
Paul Miller,
Director of Disability Outreach, White House
Personnel
Bobby Simpson,
Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services,
Department of Education
Max Starkloff, Nominee for Chair of Commission on White
House Fellowships
Fernando Torres-Gil, Assistant Secretary on Aging, HHS
Bob Williams, Commissioner of Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, HHS
Justin Dart,
Chair, President's Committee on the
Employment of People with Disabilities
Bob Sevigny (Sev-in-y), Director of Disability Outreach, DNC
We need your help on getting our economic package through in
these next few weeks. It's too important, and we've come
too far to allow ourselves to fail now. The growth of our
economy and the long term strength of our country are at
stake.
We're also going to need your help on health care reform.
Our package will insure that everyone, regardless of their
employment situation or pre-existing health conditions, has
affordable health care. We will include new funding for
long term care and home based personal assistance services.
And we will assure that the unique needs of people with
disabilities are met.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 26, 1993
MEETING WITH DISABILITY LEADERS
DATE:
Tuesday July 27, 1993
LOCATION: Roosevelt Room
TIME:
2:45 PM
From:
Alexis Herman
Mike Lux
I. PURPOSE
You will be meeting with leaders of the disability community
most of whom have also been supporters of your campaign and
administration. Some of the people in the room are also
Presidential to: appointees. The purposes of the meeting are
1.
Allay concerns in the disability community about our
administration's commitment to their issues.
2.
Give members of Congress who are close allies to these
groups the assurance we take this constituency
seriously (Senator Harkin and Congressman Hoyer will be
at the meeting.)
3.
Get their support for our reconciliation package and
health care reform.
4.
Commemorate the third anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), which was Monday, July 26.
II. BACKGROUND
Disability rights activists came of age as a political force
with the movement to pass the ADA. President Bush took
advantage of his signing of that act to be very high
visibility on the issue, and to court the constituency
incessantly. There has been a lot of unhappiness with our
administration because they don't feel we have paid enough
attention to them or their issues. This meeting will go a
long way toward allaying those concerns.
In addition to this meeting, Secretary Shalala held a very
successful meeting with them several weeks ago; and they
have met with Ira Magaziner and members of the health care
reform working groups.
One of the participants in the meeting will be Justin Dart,
who recently resigned as head of the President's Committee
on the Employment of People with Disabilities. After he
resigned, you put in a call to him and had some very
positive correspondence back and forth. Dart, although a
Republican and close personal friend of George Bush, has
been extremely positive about you and the administration,
both publicly and privately.
The issues I expect people to raise during the meeting
include:
- Implementation and Enforcement of the ADA. They want
more funding for enforcement and an executive order to all
agencies on implementation and enforcement. Domestic Policy
Council and HHS are working on a policy paper that may
become an executive order, but it is not done yet.
- Health Care Reform. They are strong advocates of very
extensive long term care program, and want to ensure
equitable treatment under managed care.
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS). During the campaign,
you had pledged to appoint a task force on PAS. We have not
yet done that, but are looking at the issue in the health
reform task force, and intend on appointing a commission
later under the auspices of the National Commission on
Disabilities for looking at non-health related PAS issues.
- Personnel Issues. Although several high visibility
people with disabilities have been appointed so far, they
will probably raise concerns that not enough people with
disabilities have been appointed yet, particularly in areas
not directly related to disability issues.
III. PARTICIPANTS
28 Participants (see attached)
Senator Harkin
Representative Hoyer
Fernando Torres-Gil, Assistant Secretary on Aging
Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitation Services
Paul Miller, White House Personnel
Alexis Herman
Mike Lux
Kathy Way, Domestic Policy Council
IV. PRESS PLAN
Closed
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
You enter Roosevelt Room
You will make brief opening remarks
At the end of your remarks you should introduce Bobby
Simpson. Hhe will thank you for all you've done and
will then introduce 4-5 other people for questions or
statements.
Informal discussion
You should make closing remarks.
VI. REMARKS
Talking points attached.
Meeting with Disability Leaders
Tuesday July 27
TALKING POINTS
Thanks to everyone in this room, and the strong leadership
of Senator Harkin and Congressman Hoyer, we celebrated the
third anniversary of the enactment of the ADA yesterday. I
want you to know that this administration strongly supports
that legislation and will provide strong enforcement of it.
Our administration is committed to this legislation from top
to bottom, as the activities of Attorney General Reno and
many other government agencies yesterday showed.
I also want to thank all of you here who helped so much on
my campaign.
I want to acknowledge the members of my administration, as
well as those nominated but not yet confirmed, who are here
with us today and who have been leaders in the disabilities
community for years:
Marca Bristo, Nominee for Chair of the National Council on
Disabilities
Judy Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitation Services,
Department of Education
Paul Miller,
Director of Disability Outreach, White House
Personnel
Bobby Simpson,
Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services,
Department of Education
Max Starkloff, Nominee for Chair of Commission on White
House Fellowships
Fernando Torres-Gil, Assistant Secretary on Aging, HHS
Bob Williams, Commissioner of Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, HHS
Justin Dart,
Chair, President's Committee on the
Employment of People with Disabilities
Bob Sevigny (Sev-in-y), Director of Disability Outreach, DNC
We need your help on getting our economic package through in
these next few weeks. It's too important, and we've come
too far to allow ourselves to fail now. The growth of our
economy and the long term strength of our country are at
stake.
We're also going to need your help on health care reform.
Our package will insure that everyone, regardless of their
employment situation or pre-existing health conditions, has
affordable health care. We will include new funding for
long term care and home based personal assistance services.
And we will assure that the unique needs of people with
disabilities are met.
LIST OF ATTENDEES
Kathi Way, Domestic Policy Council
Mike Auburger, ADAPT
Marca Bristo, ACCESS Living; appointed Chair of the National
Council on Disabilities
Daniel Bross, AIDS Action Council
Judi Champberlain, Coordinating Committee of the National
Association of Psychiatric Survivors
Justin Dart, President's Committee on the Employment of People
with Disabilities
Denis Figueroa, National Council on Independent Living
Laurie Flynn, National Alliance of the Mentally Ill
Donald Galloway, Disabled International USA
Jim Gashel, National Federation of the Blind
Linda Tonsing Gonzales, Rural Center of Independent Living
I. King Jordan, Gallaudet University
John Kemp, United Cerebral Palsey Association
Paul Marchand, The Arc and Consortium for Citizens with
Disabilities
Oral O. Miller, American Council of the Blind
Joseph Rogers, National Mental Health Consumer Self Help Clearing
House
Bob Sevigny, DNC Disability Outreach Director
Bobby Charles Simpson, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Edward Smith, North Carolina
Ben Soukup, National Association of the Deaf
Max Starkloff, Center for Independent Living in Saint Louis,
appointed Chair of Commission on White House Fellowships
Hardy Stone, Head Injury Survivors
Ann Marie Vinup, Learning Disability Association of America
Nancy Ward, National Self Advocacy Steering Committee
Robert Williams,
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
Personal Assistance Services Task Force
(appointed Administrator, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities)
Patrisha Wright, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
John MarkEnnis personal interpreter to I King Jordan
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. memo
Bob Sevigny to Debbie Fine; RE: Personally Identifiable Information
07/26/1993
b(6)
[partial] [duplicate of 001] (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
William White, Jr.
OA/Box Number: 14204
FOLDER TITLE:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] Independence Day 1993
2007-0143-F
db4551
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute {(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Debbie Fine
FROM:
Bob Sevigny, Disability Outreach
RE:
List of Invitees to Meeting with President Clinton.
DATE:
July 26, 1993
Attached is a tentative list of attendees to the meeting with President Clinton and their security
information:
NAME
ORGANIZATION DOB
SSN
PHONE #
Bobby Charles Simpson
AK Dept of Voc.
501-682-6708
[002]
Rehabilitation
*(Connie Simpson)
(Wife/Attendant)
Denise A. Figueroa
NICL
518-274-0701
Mike Auberger
ADAPT
303-733-9324
Robert Williams
CCD PAS
202-842-1266
Task Force
Max Starkloff
Paraquad, Inc.
314-534-5100
*(Colleen Starkloff)
Paul Marchand
The ARC
202-785-3388
Oral O. Miller
American Council
(b)(6)
202-467-5081
of the Blind
James Gashel
Nat'l Federation
410-659-9314
of the Blind
Hardy Stone
Head Injury Surv.
301-443-3593
Edward Theordore Smith
Dir. of Civil Rights
919-733-0431
North Carolina
*(Lamont Goins)
Attendant
Marca Bristo
NCD Nominee
312-226-5900
Laurie Flynn
NAMI, Dir.
703-524-7600
Justin Dart
President's Comm.
202-488-7684
Clinton Library Photocopy
Joseph A. Rogers
Nat'l Mental Health
215-735-6082
Consumer Self Help
Clearing House
I. King Jordan
Gallaudet
202-651-5005
(John MarkEnnis)
Interpreter
Daniel Bross
AIDS Action Cncl
202-986-1311
Ann Marie Vinup
Learning Disab.
410-665-3309
Assoc. of America
Donald Galloway
Disabled Intern'l
202-535-1311
USA
Linda Tonsing Gonzales
Rural Independent
505-471-1001
Living
Nancy Ward
Chairperson, Nat'l
402-476-0002
Self Advocacy
Steering Committee
U89563
I
(Patricia McGill Smith)
Assistant/Aide
(b)(6)
John Kemp
Executive Director
202-842-1268
UCP
Ben Soukup
President, National
301-587-1788
Association of the
Deaf
Patrisha Wright
DREDF
202-986-0375
Judi Chamberlin
Coordinating Com.
617-353-3549
of the Nat'l Assoc.
of Psychiatric Surviv
Edward V. Roberts
World Institute on
510-655-5946
Disabilities
(Lee Brian Roberts)
Son
Frederick A. Fay
D.R.I.V.E.
508-371-0992
Judy Heumann
Dept. of Educ.
202-205-5465
Asst. Sec for Special
Ed. & Voc. Rehab.
(Andrea Dove)
Attendant
Clinton Library Photocopy
Fernando Torres-Gil
HHS - Asst. Sec
for Aging
Paul Miller
White House
202-456-7026
Mike Lux/Debbie Fine
White House
Minyon Moore
DNC
202-863-7112
Constituency Directo
(b)(6)
Bob Sevigny
DNC Disability
202-863-8098
Outreach Director
*(Sean Hecker)
(Assistant)
** Names with asterisks only need security clearance to enter the White House, not for
admission to the meeting with the President.
Clinton Library Photocopy
07/19/93 12:17
202 514 7971
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
001/005
Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPA
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888
FAX COVER SHEET
ATTENTION: Debbie Fine
FAX NUMBER: 456-6218
5
NUMBER OF PAGES:
FROM:
Julie Anbender
PLEASE CALL 202-514-2007 AND ASK FOR Heather
, IF THERE
IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
07/19/93 12:17
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
002/005
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20530
MEMORANDUM
July 19, 1993
TO: DEBBIE FINE
FR: JULIE ANBENDER
RE: COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN WITH
DISABILITIES ACT
Per Steve Silverman's memorandum of July 16, I am forwarding you
this memo. The Attorney General has agreed to pursue all of the
options outlined in the attached. Please call if you have any
comments and/or suggestions.
07/19/93
12:18
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
003/005
July 16, 1993
Memorandum For:
Attorney General Janet Reno
From:
Julie Anbender, Myron Marlin & Mark Sakaley
Office of Public Affairs
Subject:
Anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act
Background
Monday, July 26th, marks the third anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the major civil rights law
for persons with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination
in employment, transportation, state and local government
activities, public accommodations and telecommunications. The
Department is the primary agency charged with enforcement of the
Act.
The Public Affairs Office and the Public Access Section of
the Civil Rights Division feel that your participation in events
highlighting the Act's importance will lead to increased
awareness and thus better voluntary compliance. In addition, the
White House recommends that the Department take a lead in
commemorating the law on that day.
Perceptions of the Law
The disability community considers the ADA to be the
preeminent focal point for improving their quality of life and
ensuring their civil rights. Yet, they believe that businesses
are not complying with the law because business does not fear
enforcement by the Department. They perceive our resources to be
inadequate in light of the large number of enterprises covered by
the law. In fact, currently 10 attorneys enforce the public
accommodations provisions -- each with case loads of over 100
complaints.
Leaders of the business community have reinforced this view.
They say privately that businesses postpone making expenditures
needed [or compliance until contacted by Department officials in
response to a complaint. Despite the ADA's flexible standards,
businesses have argued that the law is too costly.
Options to Mark the Day
Today we met with Jim Turner, John Wodatch and Alan Payne
from the Civil Rights Division, Eldie Acheson, Gail Hoffman and
Grace Mastalli from OPD, and Bob Brink from OLA to discuss
options for the 26th, and briefly review ADA policy in general.
07/19/93
12:18
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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July 26 ADA Anniversary
Page Two
It seems clear, after consulting with leaders of the
disability community (coupled with the fact that you already have
met with every other segment of the civil rights community), that
you should meet with representatives of that community in your
office on the 26th to listen to their concerns. In addition
please consider the following:
*
Take a walking tour of a selected site with members of the
disability community to observe the measures business
establishments have taken to comply with the law. This would
enable you to visually demonstrate the simplicity and
significance of compliance and allow you to discuss the law with
shopkeepers and their patrons. (eg: Takoma Park, Maryland - a
local suburban community which benefitted from DOJ technical
assistance to become a model of compliance.)
* Recognize the efforts of large and small businesses which
have made important strides in providing access either by meeting
with them in your office or holding a ceremony in the Great Hall.
*
Announce a national public service campaign which uses
celebrities with disabilities as spokespersons. These PSA's
would promote the need to comply with the law and the ease with
which it can be done. (ie: Itzaak Perlman and New York Tet. Dennis
Byrd)
+
Send a letter and status update to Members of Congress on
enforcement efforts to date.
Message
Any event we plan certainly will bring with it questions
from the media, business and disability groups about your
approach to enforcement.
Yesterday, Jim Turner broadly characterized the Department's
approach at a news conference announcing a major settlement with
a NY hotel:
"On July 26, the ADA becomes three years old. While we
continue efforts to educate and negotiate, we are sending out the
word that the ADA also authorizes us to go to court, to seek
compulsive orders and to levy serious fines. The time for using
jawboning as a the main enforcement tool is coming to an end. The
Justice Department will be using all the enforcement tools that
Congress provided in this Act."
07/19/93 12:19
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July 26 ADA Anniversary
Page Three
We would like to discuss with you any variations on this
theme as well as your thoughts on strengthening our commitment to
enforcement of the Act.
For example, you could authorize the transfer of 2 million
dollars to the Civil Rights Division from other department
components to hire 20 additional Public Access attorneys. We
understand that Senator Harkin (a primary sponsor of the ADA) has
approached the Domestic Policy Council to direct you to Lake this
action.