By Tom Harkin in Politico.com:

… at its heart, the ADA is simple. In the words of one activist, this landmark law is about securing for people with disabilities the most fundamental of rights: “the right to live in the world.” It ensures they can go places and do things that other Americans take for granted.

I will always remember a young Iowan named Danette Crawford. In 1990, she was just 14. She used a wheelchair, and lived with great pain. But she campaigned hard for the ADA. When I told her that the ADA would mean better educational opportunities, and prevent workplace discrimination, Danette said: “Those things are very important. But, you know, what I really want to do is just be able to go out and buy a pair of shoes like anybody else.”

Two decades later, people with disabilities can do that — and so much more. The ADA has changed America in ways largely invisible to most citizens, but profoundly transformative for tens of millions of Americans with disabilities.

… The ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities and transformed lives. Today, we recognize that people with disabilities – like all people – have unique abilities, talents and aptitudes. Our nation is better, fairer and richer when we make full use of those gifts. 

The ADA is America at its very, very best.

Sen. Harkin (D-Iowa) is chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

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