This week, America pays tribute to and celebrates the extraordinary life of George H.W. Bush. The 41st President is remembered by many for his humility, decency, and devotion to family and country, his generosity, a spirit of service. He presided over the end of the Cold War, a 100-hour Gulf War, and a more civil era in American politics that might fill one with nostalgia. But there’s one thing that is barely mentioned, as far as I am aware: Bush’s signing of the landmark civil rights legislation for disabled Americans, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Much of what I know about George H.W. Bush comes from my readings of American history and his post-presidency in the early 21st century. When he was president, I was a little kid living in my native country of Eritrea. When I learned English enough to read a book in Braille during my high school years, I began to discover important details of American history. It was at the age of 16 that I learned about the ADA; more specifically, I learned that people with disabilities are entitled to the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It would not be until I turned 19, however, that Bush’s role in advancing disability rights became known. For that, I am forever grateful.
It is because of the ADA that I, like Bush, have a service dog, who empowered me to travel with confidence.
It is because of the ADA that I, like millions of other Americans with disabilities, enjoy access to many facets of American society. By signing the ADA into law, with almost unanimous support from Congress, Bush showed the world that America cares about its people with disabilities, including disabled veterans who, like Bush, sacrificed their lives to defend America. I hope we’ll honor Bush by building on his work to advance Americans with disabilities, because there is still much room for improvement, especially when it comes to the unique needs of deafblind Americans.
Another of Bush’s contributions that has direct relevance to people with disabilities is his coinage of “thousand points of light”. It promotes and celebrates volunteerism. Besides reaffirming Americans’ generosity in helping those in need, as epitomized by Americans helping those affected by natural disasters, Bush’s commitment to volunteerism has a personal resonance with me. Because there remain many physical barriers in our society that preclude me from equal participation in and enjoyment of life, volunteers make a world of difference. Indeed, the nonprofit organization I co-founded is entirely comprised of volunteers, and it is guided by that same commitment to a spirit of service to others championed by Bush. Lets sustain this spirit and build upon it to make the world a better place for all.