NASW Joins in Commemorating Passage of the ADA

This week Congress and the White House commemorated the 20th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which makes it easier for people with disabilities to gain access to jobs and public places. NASW and other ADA supporters were invited by Speaker Pelosi to a luncheon in Statuary Hall honoring the occasion followed by guests moving to the House gallery to watch a floor colloquies on the value of the law.

Rep. Jim Langevin, (D-R.I.) who is quadriplegic, took ceremonial responsibility to preside over the House floor. In luncheon comments to NASW and other ADA supporters, Speaker Pelosi lauded many changes over the last 20 years that have made public spaces and work more accessible to the disabled. NASW and other guests of the Speaker were invited to the House gallery to watch as a new mechanical lift in the speaker’s rostrum allowed the wheelchair-bound Langevin to preside over speeches and votes.