The day was July 26, 1990. The day has become immortal in the history of the protection of civil rights, creating an unforgettable milestone. On this day three decades ago, the then President George HW Bush signed the American Disability Act in Washington DC. He said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Unfortunately, the United States has not always been able to do justice to its principles in terms of individual freedom and equal rights. Regrettably, for many Americans, the blessings of equality have long been limited or, in some cases, denied. The passing of this law today brings us closer to the day when no citizen of the United States should be deprived of the security of life, the taste of liberation, and the touch of happiness.
The American Disability Act not only seeks to protect the rights of persons with special needs, but has also been able to positively change the attitudes of all citizens towards their constitutional rights. On the 30th anniversary of the passage of this revolutionary law, this year's theme is the exercise of the right to vote and free and fair world travel.
Among the laws enacted in the United States before 1990 regarding persons with special needs were the Rehabilitation Act 1973, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act 1974, and the Fair Housing Act 197. These laws guaranteed access to technical training, safe housing, government building facilities, and education to people with special needs.
In 1986, the National Council on Disability presented a report entitled 'Toward Independence'. It outlines a number of new initiatives to improve the quality of life of people with special needs. The main purpose of this proposal was to contribute to the upliftment of their freedom and dignity through the maximum inclusion of these individuals at every level of society, from education to action.