President Obama said Monday the country has made incredible progress in the 25 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, but he said physical and mental disabilities still keep too many men and women out of the workforce.
In brief remarks at a White House ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of the law, the president said the government and private industry must work harder to ensure all disabled Americans who want a job can find one.
“Days like today are a celebration of our history but they’re also a chance to re-dedicate ourselves to the future, to address the injustices that still linger, to remove the barriers that remain … We all know too many people with disabilities are still unemployed — even though they can work, even though they want to work,” he said. “Whatever the reason, we’ve got to do better. Our country cannot let all that incredible talent go to waste.”
Passed in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. Mr. Obama in 2010 signed an executive order directing federal agencies to hire more disabled Americans.
Since then, the administration says, more than 57,000 workers with disabilities have been hired and more disabled Americans are working for the federal government than ever before.
“We’re building a stronger foundation, and thanks to generations of Americans … who demanded better treatment, who, just by being good and decent people and effective workers and treating others with respect and asking for the same in return, folks have overcome ignorance and indifference and made our country better,” the president said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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