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Disabilities: Statements from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and HHS Principals on the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

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Disabilities are at the forefront of the 34th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation made the United States the first country to institute comprehensive protections for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

The ADA prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, access to state and local government programs and services, and sets standards for privately owned businesses and commercial facilities. It ensures equal access to healthcare, telecommunications, and more. The impact of the ADA is profound, enabling most people with disabilities to live at home and participate fully in society, side by side with those without disabilities.

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Disabilities: ADA Marks a Victory, but Barriers to Full Equality Remain

The passing of the ADA was a significant victory in the fight for disability rights. However, the journey toward full equality is far from over. Many people with disabilities still face barriers to accessing the services and supports they need to live their lives fully. Nearly every disabled person has stories of discrimination in accessing healthcare services. Significant progress has been made in addressing health disparities, expanding home and community-based services, ensuring equal access to healthcare and human services, and combating discrimination across programs. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to accelerating progress towards inclusion and equal opportunity for the more than 70 million Americans with disabilities.

Alison Barkoff, Senior Official performing the duties of the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), emphasized that the ADA has guaranteed the right to live, work, and participate in communities for more than a generation. She acknowledged the progress made but noted that many disabled people still cannot fully exercise the rights guaranteed by the ADA.

The ACL continues to fight alongside people with disabilities and their families to ensure equal access to all facets of American life. Melanie Fontes Rainer, Director of the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), highlighted the contributions of disabled leaders and champions who have pushed for policies and laws protecting civil rights. OCR remains committed to protecting these rights, recognizing that disability rights are civil rights.

Jeff Hild, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), celebrated the progress made and reaffirmed the commitment to eliminating barriers and building an inclusive and equitable world where all children and families can access the resources they need to thrive. Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), reflected on the progress made since the signing of the ADA and reaffirmed the commitment to inclusive preparedness, response, and recovery plans.

Renee Wegrzyn, Ph.D., Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), emphasized the responsibility to accelerate better health outcomes for all individuals and the commitment to ensuring accessible health solutions. Robert Otto Valdez, Ph.D., M.H.S.A., Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), highlighted the commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare and collaborating with the disability community to advance the core aims of the ADA.

Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marked the 34th anniversary of the ADA as a celebration of National Disability Independence Day. She emphasized the importance of sustained partnership among agencies to prevent inequities and benefit all Americans. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), highlighted the role of the ADA in shaping American policy and the importance of expanding access to care, lowering costs, and increasing support for caregivers.

Disabilities

Disabilities: FDA Commissioner and IHS Director Reaffirm Commitment to Support and Inclusion

Robert M. Califf, M.D., Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recognized the vital role of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and the importance of addressing their specific needs in FDA policies and programs. Roselyn Tso, Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), reaffirmed the commitment to improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities and promoting the rights protected by the ADA.

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Carole Johnson, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), celebrated Disabilities Pride month and emphasized the holistic approach to ensuring access to healthcare services and supports for all individuals. Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acknowledged the impact of the ADA in increasing opportunities for all Americans with disabilities and emphasized the importance of fostering respect, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research.

Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (SAMHSA), reaffirmed the commitment to equity and inclusion in behavioral health services and the representation of persons with disabilities. Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), celebrated the progress made and emphasized the ongoing work to ensure that people of all abilities achieve their highest levels of health and well-being.

Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., MBA, U.S. Surgeon General, acknowledged the advocates who helped pass the ADA and the importance of building healthier, more connected, and more accessible communities. Bertha Alisia Guerrero, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA), emphasized the significance of the ADA and the ongoing commitment to a just, equitable, and inclusive society.

Micky Tripathi, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, emphasized the role of health IT policy in advancing health equity by turning data into action and addressing health inequities. These statements collectively underscore the progress made under the ADA and the ongoing efforts to ensure full inclusion and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of people with disabilities remains a central focus for HHS and its leaders.

Resource: Health and Human Services, July 26, 2024


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