National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is Proud to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

NDSS Advocates:

 

As the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), we believe advocacy is everyone's responsibility. Over the last week, our organization joined the White House, Congressional leaders as well as disability leaders and advocates from across the country to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


On July 20th, NDSS was part of a contingent that attended the White House ADA Celebration as President Obama honored the work that has been done since this law was signed a quarter-century ago. President Obama, flanked by Vice President Biden, remarked that "America is stronger, and more vibrant, it is a better country because of ADA. That is what this law has achieved." NDSS was represented by a contingent led by NDSS President Sara Hart Weir, Board Member Patti Saylor, David Egan, the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Fellow and the Pitzele Family (Brad, Julianne and Bri) from Thousand Oaks, CA. Bri made history last year on the US House of Representatives floor when she pushed the 218 vote for Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) to #passtheABLEAct.

(NDSS President Sara Weir with The Pitzeles, (Brad, Julianne and Bri) and Vice President 
Joe Biden)
On July 22nd, NDSS participated in the National Disability Institute's (NDI) Economic Advancement and Financial Inclusion Summit at the Newseum in Washington, DC. This day-long summit was held to help people with disabilities realize their earning and saving potential and help plan for the future. The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was among the topics that were discussed. Congressional Disability Champions Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representative Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), who led the charge to pass the ABLE Act last year, were introduced by NDSS leadership and spoke about the importance of the ABLE Act. 

And tonight, NDSS will be represented at the National Disability Leadership Alliance's (NDLA) ADA 25th Anniversary celebration. NDSS will stand with members of Congress and disability rights activists as the 25th anniversary is celebrated. 

 

As the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome, at NDSS, the 25th Anniversary of the ADA is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities in the last twenty-five years, but a clear reminder that we have so much more to accomplish as a community to ensure the same rights are put in place for people with Down syndrome (and other disabilities) as all other Americans.

 

We are grateful for all you do to support our mission at NDSS and for standing beside us as we fight for the rights, values and dignity of all individuals with Down syndrome in the United States!

All My Best,
Sara Hart Weir
President
National Down Syndrome Society
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PS: If you would like to get involved with the National Down Syndrome Society, here are some ways to support NDSS and some upcoming events to take part in: