The George and Barbara Bush Foundation will host, “Let the Shameful Wall of Exclusion Come Down,” an online program marking the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on July 21.
Key activists, advocates, and policymakers who helped make the ADA a reality will join the Bushes to celebrate the legislation as well as focus on the challenges that will shape the future of the disability movement. Several special guest appearances are expected as well.
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The 90-minute online program, named from President Bush’s remarks on July 26, 1990, as he signed the ADA, takes place July 21 at 1:30pm Eastern and will be moderated by Judy Woodruff, the managing editor and anchor of PBS’ NewsHour, according to a media release from the George & Barbara Bush Foundation.
“President Bush fervently believed in and worked for the ideals of the ADA to help make it reality, but he always recognized that landmark civil rights legislation could not have become law without the courage of so many activists and the dedication of legislators and policymakers on both sides of the political aisle. He would also be the first to say that this vital work is not finished, which is why our ‘Let the Shameful Wall of Exclusion Come Down’ event will also have a robust conversation on the challenges disabled American citizens still face today. George Bush would want us to be focused on working together to find solutions.”
— Andy Card, Interim CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation
“President Bush knew that our success in the world depends on how well we inspire and put to use the talents and energies of every person in this country. It was his vision that no ability is to be wasted, and that everyone has a full and equal chance to play a part in our national progress. There is still much work left to do to see his vision fulfilled, and we hope this program will inspire corporate leaders to up their game and hire more people with disabilities.”
— Tom Ridge, Chairman of the National Organization on Disability
This special virtual celebration will be fully ADA compliant and presented free of charge to all interested persons and groups. For more information and to register, visit the George and Barbara Bush Foundation.
[Source(s): George & Barbara Bush Foundation, PR Newswire]
