UNITED STATES SENATE
Washington, DC 20510-1601
BOB DOLE
Kansas
141 Senate Hart Building
(202) 224-6521
Committees:
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
Finance
Rules
September 18, 1990
(End of Letterhead)

Daniel C. Sullivan 
Executive Director 
Delaware Valley Project with Industry, Inc. 
Six Franklin Plaza 
Philadelphia, PA 19102 

Dear Friends: 
I'm sorry I am not able to be with you in person this morning. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you and to participate with you in what I know will be a series of successful programs to assist the business community in the Delaware Valley in meeting the non-discrimination and increased employment goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26th, 1990. Bi-partisan support in Congress as well as the cooperative efforts of people with disabilities, business leaders, and concerned American citizens made this historic legislation possible. As a result, this law will prevent discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Most importantly, skilled qualified individuals, regardless of a disability will become productive, contributing members of society. Tax users will become tax payers, and all Americans will benefit through the ability of an all inclusive workforce and a stronger American economy. Many people with disabilities, because of the opportunity to work, will become more active consumers, purchasing the goods and services that they desire and need. 

Projects with Industry programs such as the one my good friend Dan Sullivan directs in the Delaware Valley are in a unique position to assist in the implementation of the ADA. They are critical in providing the technical assistance needed to engage the talent and leadership of private industry as partners in the rehabilitation process. Together, both groups can more effectively identify not only job opportunities, but also the necessary skills that would qualify people with disabilities for the jobs of today and challenges of the future. 

My commitment to employment of people with disabilities inspired me to create the Dole Foundation. Our organization enables the private sector to provide financial assistance to the many outstanding community employment and training programs which foster opportunities for people with disabilities to be competitively employed. Delaware Valley Project with Industry is one of the excellent programs our foundation has assisted. I know that Paul Hearne, President of the Dole Foundation, is with you this morning and he will tell you of his vision of how we can all work together to meet the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Tony Coelho, your keynote speaker will share with you his personal and professional experience that played such a significant role in creation of the ADA. I encourage you to participate with Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and Delaware Valley Project with Industry in a cooperative effort to develop the knowledge and awareness necessary so that my disabled peers can and will live lives of dignity and self support. 

Sincerely, 
Bob Dole 
United States Senate