American Diabetes Association Celebrates Historic Victory for Americans With Disabilities

The American Diabetes Association applauds President George W. Bush for signing the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADA-AA) into law today. In recent weeks, both houses of Congress passed this landmark civil rights legislation. Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act promised to be a vital means of protecting the interests of people who are treated unfairly because of their diabetes. However, a series of Supreme Court decisions severely narrowed who is covered by the law and many individuals with diabetes have found themselves no longer covered by the act. The ADA-AA takes critical steps to restore the 1990 law to its original intent to include such individuals among those protected from discrimination.

"Today, we celebrate this act becoming law and we applaud the Bush Administration and Congress for taking this critical step toward protecting the civil rights of Americans with disabilities," said R. Stewart Perry, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. "This is a historic victory for Americans with chronic illnesses like diabetes who will once again be covered by this law, and is a triumph for all individuals with disabilities who want to work and will now be able to fulfill their potential. Today, we proudly usher in a new era for hardworking Americans with disabilities."

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 www.diabetes.org . Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish .

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Contact: Shana Starkand (703) 549-1500, ext. 2622 sstarkand@diabetes.org