George H. W. Bush was an advocate for ADA

As the nation remembers and celebrates the life of President George H. W. Bush, I find it necessary to recognize his leadership in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He, along with his Attorney General Richard Thornburgh and the millions of self-advocates around the nation, made the passage of this historic civil rights law a reality.

Although when he was in office I wasn’t old enough to truly appreciate or fully understand politics, as a person with a disability I am pleased that he read the thousands of letters, listened to the stories, educated himself on the issue and ultimately acted for the benefit of many. Mr. Bush evidenced the scriptural adage of to whom much has been given much is expected.

As a black woman with a disability, I live my life being constantly aware of the ongoing battle for civil rights. From the right to vote and to be able to do so in an accessible polling place, to fully participating in my community and to exercise my freedom of speech and protest, these are freedoms I do not take for granted. I live them and, when necessary, I defend them.

Each group that labors for civil rights builds upon the hurdles cleared and the successes gained of others who have demanded their rights to reach the fullness of one’s humanity.

DAMITRA PENNY-HARRIS

Baldwin Borough

The writer is a member of the WRITE STUFF Workgroup of the Health Committee for People with Disabilities of the Consumer Health Coalition.