There live a people who will never feel the sacrifices their forefathers made to fight for their freedom. They will never truly understand that only a short time ago their people were not citizens in the land of the free—they could be shipped off to an institution against their will, be arrested for going out in public or be barred from even applying for work.

These people will know, though, that it is their right as Americans to exist—to be a part of the fabric of American society.

They will demand employment, because the promise of America lies in the opportunity to improve life through hard work and dedication.

AAPD has launched their new website to showcase the ADA anniversary. AAPD is celebrating a countdown to the July 26 anniversary of the ADA by showcasing a new interview with someone in the disability community talking about their experiences with the ADA. Check back each Monday leading up to July 26!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

Click here to go to AAPD's new website for ADA Celebrations.

On June 6, Valerie Jarrett launched the administration's celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ADA and announced that we would be having various events, commemorations and introducing new policies. Today, as we commemorate the Olmstead anniversary, we also continue our recognition of the 20th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2010

On Anniversary of Olmstead, President Obama Highlights Administration’s Actions to Assist Americans with Disabilities

Last year, on the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., President Obama launched "The Year of Community Living," a new effort to assist Americans with disabilities. One year later, the Administration has taken many steps towards achieving that goal.

"Olmstead was a critical civil rights decision that affirmed a fundamental right for Americans with disabilities – the right to live independently,” said President Obama. “Since I launched the ‘Year of Community Living,’ my Administration has taken a number of important steps to address the needs and concerns of those living with disabilities. And as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must renew our commitment to uphold the civil rights of those living with disabilities and to fully include all our people in the life of our nation.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced the first federal rule to specifically provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections to people with disabilities who travel on boats and ships. The action comes as the 20th anniversary of the ADA approaches on July 26.

“This Administration is committed to protecting the rights of passengers with disabilities in all modes of transportation,” said Secretary LaHood. “This rule will ensure fair treatment for people with disabilities who travel by ship or boat.”

The rule applies to two categories of vessels: vessels operated by public entities, such as public ferry systems, and vessels operated by private entities primarily engaged in the business of transporting people, such as cruise ships.

The rule will ensure that vessel operators’ policies do not discriminate against passengers with disabilities. Under the rule, vessel operators cannot charge extra for accessibility-related services to passengers, cannot require passengers to furnish their own attendants, and cannot deny access to passengers based on disability. Vessel operators will have to provide information to passengers about the accessibility of their facilities and services and make a knowledgeable person available to resolve accessibility concerns.

The team’s race weekend kicked off on Friday, where the SuperLite class competed in a $6,000-purse, exhibition race for 2,000+ Miller Motorsports Park VIP’s. Ricky had an intense battle with Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg throughout the race, taking the overall lead at the halfway point of the race. With 3 laps to go, James began to experience severe arm pump in his left arm, which controls the trucks gas, brakes, clutch and shifting. Ricky slowly faded back, saving his cramping arm for the weekend’s more-important point’s rounds.