For Immediate Release
American Public Health Association Honors 20th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
Statement from Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), Executive
Director, American Public Health Association
Washington, D.C., July 26, 2010 – “
The American Public Health Association today
recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, a landmark measure that promises fundamental civil rights to millions of people
living with disabilities.
“As a nation, we should
take a moment to recognize the tremendous progress we’ve made since the
Americans with Disabilities Act was first signed into law. The enactment of ADA on July 26, 1990, was
a testament to our nation’s commitment to social justice and marked a monumental
step towards reducing disparities in health experienced by people with disabilities.
“On the 20th
anniversary today, there is still much work to be done to improve the law, so
that every individual with a disability has equal access to public
accommodations, the full continuum of prevention health care services and the opportunity
to live a long, fulfilling life.
“APHA strongly supports
strengthening ADA
to ensure all Americans with disabilities have full access to the benefits provided
in the law, including community-based services and programs.”
For more about APHA, visit
www.apha.org.
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Founded in 1872, the APHA is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association aims to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health providers, educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and health officials at all levels working both within and outside governmental organizations and educational institutions. More information is available at www.apha.org.