REMARKS OF SENATOR ROBERT J. DOLE 
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAPTER LEGISLATIVE/ADVOCACY 
DIRECTORS OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA 
FEBRUARY 25, 1991 
SENATE DIRKSEN AUDITORIUM (ROOM SDG 50) 

With a stroke of the pen on July 26, 1990, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), outlawing discrimination against people with disabilities and ensuring that the disabled will have the opportunity to live lives of dignity
and independence. 

This law is intended to 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 work force and a stronger American economy. People
with disabilities will become more active consumers, purchasing
the goods and services that they desire and need. 
The ADA is an important beginning, giving us not only a
framework from which to work, but also a mandate from which to
proceed. However, to reinforce the goals of the ADA and to move 
disability policy forward into the next century, it is critical 
to maintain a united and solid partnershi£ between the disabilitycommunities as well as the public and private sectors. Workingtogether, we can ensure that every American citizen will be
provided the access and opportunity to be a part of all that
society offers. 
More importantly, by increasing public awareness througheducation, we can break down the attitudinal barriers that prevent full participation in the American mainstream. 
Like everyone involved with the ADA, I feel privileged tohave played a role in its passage. However, assa e does not guarantee that our job is complete. As we loo ahead to t e next 
ce , e at there wi e little need for government
intervention to assure the rights of any segment of American 
society. But, if it is still necessary to address discrimination,all of us in the disability community can continue to make adifference by working together. 
As Board of Directors and Chapter Legislative Advocates, you have the ability to disseminate information and em ower our 
£eers. s i , ou m one and there is an
important role for educated constituents to play. Specifically,Congress needs your i"nput in order to fOrrnula~ legislation
responsive to your needs as consumers and the of
concerns commerce and industry as suppliers. 
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As lobbyists and concerned citizens, ~ha e the
legislative agenda and the policy making pro ess. Now ere was
this more evident than the 9~~ r~ots m hat led to
Congressional consideration of the ADA. Congress listened to the
voices of people with disabilities and we will continue to do so
as long as you are outspoken. Contact your Representatives.
Ccontact your Senators. Let them know about the issues that are
important to your membership. 
The 102nd Congress has a busy agenda. One of our top issuesis technical assistance in order to ensure effectiveimplementation and compliance with ADA's regulations. WhileCongress has the power to appropriate funds for this massive undertaking, you must also participate in the dissemination oftechnical assistance information. 
Furthermore, as productivecitizens of this great country, you can and should play a
critical role in breaking down antiquated attitudinal barriersabout people with disabilities. Not only do you have to lobbyCongress, but you must also lobby the American people. 
Another item that must seriously be addressed this sessionincludes a comprehensive personal assistance consumer bill.
Although we have ADA, if we don't have an adequate personal
assistance program based on a consumer model we can't attempt to
fulfill the ADA's goals. The ability to live independently andwith dignity depends greatly on one's autonomy. Effectivepersonal assistance is a step in the right direction. 
You can have direct influence on the Reauthorization of the
Rehabilitation Act as well as numerous other bills that address military personnel participating in the Persian Gulf. These areonly a few of the issues that you and your PVA Chapter can become
involved in and affect. 
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