Bush Lauds Disabilities Act

[Guest guest]

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JULY 28, 13:31 EDT

Bush Lauds Disabilities Act

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush urged Congress on Saturday to

strengthen the 11-year old Americans with Disabilities Act by improving

transportation for disabled workers and encouraging private companies to

develop technologies to help them do their jobs.

In his weekly radio address, Bush said such action would help houses

of worship, community groups and civic organizations improve access for the

handicapped.

The president praised the ADA — signed into law this week in 1991 by

his father, former President Bush — for providing disabled people greater

access to the functions of everyday life.

Bush said the ADA has given disabled people more options in choosing a

home, using public transportation, even working and traveling.

``This has made our country a fairer society, more considerate and

welcoming to all our citizens,'' he said. ``As people with disabilities find

more opportunities to use their gifts and talents, we also become a

stronger, more productive nation.''

But barriers remain, Bush said, ``and as long as they stand, our work

is unfinished.''

Bush said he has instructed Attorney General Ashcroft and Health

and Human Services Secretary Tommy to enforce provisions of the law

that bar unjustifiable institutionalization of the mentally disabled.

He pledged his best efforts to ensure that disabled Americans ``are

not arbitrarily isolated or kept apart'' from the mainstream.

``During the last 11 years, we have opened the doors of opportunity to

millions of people with disabilities,'' Bush said. ``And, together, we can

ensure that everyone with a disability enjoys the respect that all citizens

deserve.''

[Guest guest]

Well thats good news.

jenny