BOB DOLE 
KANSAS
141 SENATE HART BUILDING 
(202)224-6521

COMMITTEES:
AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, FORESTRY
FINANCE
RULES 

UNITED STATES SENATE
WASHINGTON. DC 20510-1601 

November 6, 1990 

Jill Tvedten Long
Wichita Down Syndrome Organization 
12117 Nantucket 
Wichita, Kansas 67235 

Dear Jill: 
I apologize for my delay in responding to the Wichita Down Syndrome Organization's position statement on integration. It is an honor to be asked to respond. 

First, I would like to commend your organization for its outstanding work. As evidenced by your proposal, your organization is a leader in the field of disability advocacy. 
Over the years, I have been impressed by your organization's ability to translate innovative ideas into successful programs. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Wichita Down Syndrome Organization, I am confident that many individuals with Down Syndrome can, and will, have the opportunity to live lives of dignity and self support. 

With regard to the proposal, I would like to offer you my support for the goals enumerated within the document. As your proposal so eloquently states: "Pity, compassion, benevolence, those are the banal companions of disability. Activism, rights, equity, these are the attitudes we seek .... Integrated education is not an act of charity, it is a right." Integration is not only a right, but also a vehicle to achieve full equality for a large segment of American society. 

As you may already know, I have expressed my interest in the issue of integration of people with disabilities for several years. Consequently, I founded the Dole Foundation for the Employment of People with Disabilities. The Dole Foundation, among other things, supports programs that seek to integrate the disabled into the mainstream workforce. We share the same goal of full integration in all aspects of society including employment and education. 

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to respond to your integration proposal. 

Sincerely, 
(Signature) 
BOB DOLE
United States Senate