Extreme Makeover: House of Representatives Edition
With the ADA Amendments Act (formerly known as the ADA Restoration Act) making its way to the House of Representatives floor this week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that the House will begin practicing what it preaches when it comes to equal access for individuals with disabilities.
In a press release yesterday, Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Republican leader John Boehner, announced that by year's end, the House Chamber will be made disability accessible by equipping the Speaker's podium with lifts to allow increased access.
Of the planned renovations, Boehner (R-OH) said, "Since Congress requires businesses across the country to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, it is fitting that we should follow the rules we set for others. That is why making the Speaker's rostrum more accessible is an important symbol of our understanding that we must ask Americans to do as we do, not just as we say."
I couldn't have said it better myself; kudos to Congress for taking this important step! As for the ADA Amendments Act, which I mentioned earlier: The House is poised to pass this piece of disability rights legislation tomorrow, but members of Congress still need to hear from their constituents on the bill's importance. Contact your Representative NOWto ask him or her to support equality for all people, regardless of physical or mental ability.
Of the planned renovations, Boehner (R-OH) said, "Since Congress requires businesses across the country to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, it is fitting that we should follow the rules we set for others. That is why making the Speaker's rostrum more accessible is an important symbol of our understanding that we must ask Americans to do as we do, not just as we say."
I couldn't have said it better myself; kudos to Congress for taking this important step! As for the ADA Amendments Act, which I mentioned earlier: The House is poised to pass this piece of disability rights legislation tomorrow, but members of Congress still need to hear from their constituents on the bill's importance. Contact your Representative NOWto ask him or her to support equality for all people, regardless of physical or mental ability.