On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities.

The ADA and other legal actions have assisted in moving our society not totally from exclusion and segregation to integration and inclusion. Therefore advocacy for legal actions must continue but the next step needed is a very strong emphasis on the personal dimension of belonging. Belonging means that people with disabilities are valued and appreciated, not by special consideration but in equal standing, a participant by right.

Throughout this year of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we not only celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made but I also make a personal commitment to welcome, accept,and support persons with disabilities.