NCJW Lauds Senate Passage of Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
September 11, 2008, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the Senate for passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act, a bill that would restore the rights of people with disabilities to live free from workplace discrimination. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"Today's action by the Senate to pass the ADA Amendments Act is an affirmation of the right of every American with physical or mental disabilities to live their lives, perform their jobs, and raise their families without fear of discrimination and persecution. This legislation will clarify the scope of the ADA to ensure that every person who faces discrimination in the workplace because of their disability has the legal recourse to challenge this discrimination. This bipartisan bill affirms that the right to earn a livelihood is one that should be granted to all people, regardless of physical or mental disability when reasonable accommodation in the workplace is possible.
"NCJW was proud to have worked for enactment in 1990 of the groundbreaking ADA which aimed to prevent unfair treatment of people with disabilities. Unfortunately, court decisions over the past 18 years have chipped away at the protections provided by this essential legislation, leaving workers with disabilities vulnerable to discrimination. As a society, we are obligated to remove barriers to justice and equality. We are thrilled that Congress has acted to restore the intent of the original ADA and to restore the rights of hard-working Americans who deserve to live free from discrimination."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org