Hoyer Remarks at Press Event Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of ADA & Its Role in Creating and Protecting a Diverse Workforce

WASHINGTON, DC – Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) at a panel discussion event today to mark the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), celebrate the progress employers have made in the last 25 years, and highlight the importance and impact of having a diversified workforce for a 21st century economy. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you, Ranking Member Scott.

“You have been an extraordinary leader for committee Democrats as our caucus continues its effort to focus Congress’s attention on education, innovation, and access to equal opportunity.

“I want to thank you for your work to ensure that those with differing abilities have opportunities to succeed in school and find good jobs in our competitive workforce that open doors to economic independence in our middle class.

“This is an area where we still have much work to do – particularly in preserving and strengthening the civil rights protections of the ADA to ensure that the progress we have made is not undone – and I look forward to continuing to work with Ranking Member Scott on this effort.

“I also want to thank the panelists who are here today – not only for their participation but for their tremendous efforts to advance the work of equality and inclusion for people with differing abilities.

“On Sunday, we marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“That law, though named for “Americans with disabilities,” changed the conversation into one focusing on “abilities.”

“Because of the ADA, one is no longer relegated to being judged by what he or she cannot do – instead one ought to be judged by what he or she can do. 

“And the law has caused a sea-change in how other Americans view and perceive those among us with differing abilities.

“The ADA has changed attitudes as much as it has changed building codes.

“Here today are Chairwoman Jenny Yang and Commissioner Chai Feldblum from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this month.

“The EEOC has been at the forefront of enforcing the ADA’s anti-discrimination rules, and it has been relentlessly defending workers and those seeking jobs.

“Commissioner Feldblum was instrumental in helping to write the ADA, and she has never stopped fighting on behalf of those with differing abilities.

“As we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the fiftieth anniversary of the EEOC, let us rededicate ourselves to the critical task of making sure that the practice of America lives up to the promise of America – and that everyone has a chance to pursue opportunity and be treated with the equal dignity everyone deserves.

“Thank you.”