HARRISBURG, Sept. 17, 2015 – To mark the 25th anniversary of the federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many places, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today won unanimous approval of a resolution.

The Americans with Disabilities Act came into being in 1990, and has been amended several times since then.

“Since its passage, the Americans with Disabilities Act has made important strides in all areas of life as we know it,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks “from curb cutouts to accessible hotels and medical facilities, to speech, hearing and visual aids at public events.

“With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities gained more options for leaving their homes to run errands or go to work. It opened greater job opportunities and security in the workplace, and it gave people the ability to become more active in their communities.”

Four federal agencies enforce ADA, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces regulations covering employment; the Department of Transportation, which enforces regulations governing transit; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces regulations covering telecommunication services; and the Department of Justice, which enforces regulations governing public accommodations and state and local government services.

“I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Tartaglione said. “I ask that they acknowledge the strength and resolve of disabled residents who have waited patiently for change and who have worked hard to overcome challenges.”

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