Americans with Disabilities Act - 13th Anniversary

In President Bush's weekly address to the nation, he remarks that the Americans with Disabilities Act is

... one of the most compassionate acts of American government. Since becoming law, the ADA has helped to improve the quality of life for more than 50,000 million Americans with physical and mental disabilities. As a result, it is easier today for people with disabilities to find a job, to enter public buildings, and to live more independently in their communities. These are all welcome changes in American life.

As the father of a daughter who is hard of hearing, I am very grateful for this law, along with the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). Because of the IDEA, Keisha is guaranteed the opportunity to succeed in school.

I am also very grateful to the individuals who have served her and us: the special education teachers and workers, the audiologists and speech therapists. I am also grateful for the wonderful help we've received from the Community Services for the Deaf here in Dayton.

I realize that no program is perfect, and there is much more work left to do. Nevertheless, I can see how God has blessed us to be able to live in a time like this.