The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was one of my greatest honors to be in attendance when President George H. W. Bush signed it into law in the White House Rose Garden.

In the history of our nation, twenty years is a brief span of time, especially when it involves government policy. But for my generation, and the generations before and after me, this policy in particular has had a remarkable effect. This groundbreaking bill of rights represents a springboard for people with disabilities who, as the late Senator Ted Kennedy said, "deserve the opportunity to work for a living, ride a bus...and do all the other things that the rest of us take for granted."

In the coming weeks, I hope you'll enjoy a series of thoughtful posts that discuss the ADA, and what it's meant for people with disabilities in their personal and professional lives. We'll also take a look at what the future holds for people with disabilities, and the importance of engaging this eager and educated population in our global economy.