American Diabetes Association Lauds U.S. Senate For Passing Landmark Legislation For Americans With Disabilities

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 12 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds the U.S. Senate today, for passing S. 3406, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, landmark legislation designed to protect Americans with disabilities from discrimination. This legislation, cosponsored by more than 70 Members of the Senate, is aimed at ensuring the rights of Americans with diabetes and other serious illnesses who face discrimination. If signed into law, the act will be restored to its original intent to ensure that Americans with disabilities like chronic illnesses such as diabetes are protected from discrimination.

"We applaud the U.S. Senate for passing S. 3406, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and we appreciate and recognize the leadership of Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Edward Kennedy, (D-Mass), Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Senate Leadership for moving this critical legislation forward," said Dan Kohrman, Chair of the American Diabetes Association's Legal Advocacy Subcommittee. "The Senate's support for this landmark civil rights bill illustrates its strong commitment to protecting hardworking, qualified individuals from unwarranted discrimination," said Kohrman. "Not only will these amendments restore the act to its original intent, the measure will restore dignity to the many Americans with disabilities who want to work but have been punished by a law that was narrowly interpreted."

The American Diabetes Association partnered with other disability rights organizations and members of the business community to work with Congress towards passage of this historic legislation. Now that the bill has passed the Senate, the American Diabetes Association and community partners will work to see the bill signed into law this fall.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

American Diabetes Association