REMARKS OF SENATOR ROBERT J. DOLE 
AT THE BOB DOLE TRIBUTE DINNER FOR COMPEER 
JANUARY 25, 1990 
WICHITA, KANSAS 
I am extremely honored to be here tonight in celebrating the 
outstanding success of the Sedgwick County Compeer Program. It is well known that the Kansas Compeer Program is one of the leading community based volunteer programs in the country. I know it-­the President and Mrs. Bush know it --and the people of Kansas know it. Not only do we recognize your excellence, we are also proud to be associated with you. 

Although I am humbled by this dinner, it is tribute enough to be Compeer's Honorary Chairman and to have my name associated with this impressive program and its staff. Tonight's Tribute Dinner should really honor the dedicated and caring volunteers and their friends who are the heart and soul of this organization. 

As a nation, we recognize the importance of standing by and providing support to our young men and women in the Persian Gulf. And as a nation, we also have a duty to provide support and friendship to those Americans with mental health conditions who also confront daily challenges. Many of these men and women suffer from alienation, isolation and loneliness. It is our duty to stand by these Americans as they battle to manage their illness and attempt to live an independent and dignified life in their communities. 

Compeer volunteers, who live and work in the community, serve their neighbors with mental health conditions, not paternalistically, but as committed and supportive friends. I recognize and remember the importance of that friendship and support. As I was undergoing rehabilitation following my service in World War II, I needed the support and friendship of my community. And they responded! The people of Russell, Kansas did not forget me, and the people of Wichita, Kansas have not forgetting their own. 

As we all know, community support and involvement is one key to successfully responding to those who require assistance during difficult and trying times. While most people think of these individuals and their friends as patients and mental health professionals, those of us associated with the Compeer program know that the participants are friends. Furthermore, the relationship is not based on a medical model, but rather mutual respect and understanding. Hopefully, Compeer's community based programs will continue to grow and prosper, providing all individuals access to the mainstream of society. 

Speaking of access to the mainstream of society, 1990 was an exciting year given the historic passage of comprehensive civil rights protection for people with disabilities. Of course, I am speaking about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its strong mandate to redress discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation and public services. 

No doubt about it, the ADA is landmark law, providing Americans with a strong mandate to move disability policy into the 21st century. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we keep working together to guarantee that the letter of the law is implemented and enforced. 

Simply requiring a mandate does not remove the attitudinal barriers that continue to plague our society. Besides the outstanding contributions made by all in attendance here tonight, you are advocates of change and innovation. The creation of "Compeer for Kids" is proof positive that the Sedgwick County program is forward thinking and futuristic. You possess the ability and expertise to educate not only the general public, but also to advocate on behalf of our country's most precious resource --our children. Furthermore, your program serves to ease the fears and misunderstanding of mental health conditions. 

Coincendentally, Congress also expanded mental health services for children. As the old adage goes "An ounce of care is worth a pound of prevention." Addressing problems early on is sound policy and "Compeer for Kids" is a program to be emulated nationwide. 

At the very least our national mental health policy should reflect a coordination of community services and family supports. This is something Compeer has known and practiced all along. At the Federal level, we've taken steps forward but we have a long way to go.
 
People with mental health conditions should have available to them a full network of accessible and appropriate mental health services and, as needed, other supportive services and benefits such as housing, residential services, employment, rehabilitation, income support, education, social services, so that each person receives the treatment, training and support necessary to enable them to function at their highest level. 

Gainful employment is key to integration in the mainstream. To this end. I established the Dole Foundation to support programs that share my belief in the importance of competitive employment. That is where you dedication becomes important - preparing your clients to take an active and participatory role contributing to the workforce as workers and taxpayers. 

In closing, I want to again commend you and all of those associated with Compeer. It's only natural that a program like Compeer would take hold here in America's heartland, becoming one of largest Compeer Programs in the United States. Helping those who are less fortunate is very much alive in Kansas. That spirit is alive because of people like you, who recognize that one-to­one caring and companionship can make a big difference in a troubled life. 

My sincere thanks to all of you who have given of your time and energy to make Compeer a success. With your help, "Compeer for Kids" can mean a brighter tomorrow for young people who might otherwise be without hope.