President George H.W. Bush Calls Americans With Disabilities Act One Of His 'Proudest Achievements' In New Video Commemorating The 25th Anniversary Of The ADA

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Jul 20, 2015, 09:03 ET

NEW YORK, July 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is releasing a new video featuring a rare and recent interview with President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law in July 1990. For 25 years, the ADA has removed barriers and empowered people, promoting equality for Americans with disabilities. In the video, hosted by NOD Chairman Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, President Bush, NOD's Honorary Chairman, calls the ADA among his 'proudest achievements' as President of the United States.

Tom Ridge hosts an interview with President George H.W. Bush in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

President George H.W. Bush, Honorary Chairman of the National Organization on Disability, shaking hands with Tom Ridge, Chairman of the National Organization on Disability.

President George H.W. Bush with National Organization on Disability President Carol Glazer and Tom Ridge honor and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"President Bush would be the first to tell you that it took the hard work and creative energy of many people to pass the ADA – and he would be right," said Gov. Ridge. "But the fact is that without his leadership, personal commitment and political know-how, the ADA would not have become law 25 years ago. It was an honor to have cast a 'yes' vote in favor of the ADA as a member of Congress and an even greater honor to have this conversation with the President to reminisce about its passage. Most of all, I am delighted this video will serve to remind Americans about one of his greatest achievements over a long and distinguished career in public service. President George H.W. Bush is an American hero."

The nearly six-minute video, which can be viewed at NOD.org, features archival footage and photography of the many Americans who fought so hard for the ADA's passage. In response to a question from Gov. Ridge about how the President's administration galvanized bipartisan support for the ADA, President Bush agreed that factor was crucial to the legislation's success. "If it had just been one party, it would have been less effective," President Bush said. "It's something I'm very proud of – perhaps proudest of when I was President."

In support of this historical anniversary, NOD is making the video available to be shown at major ADA celebrations, including a special showing at one of the largest gatherings on July 27^th in Washington, D.C., hosted by the National Disability Leadership Alliance, with appearances by current and former members of Congress.

"It is particularly meaningful to me that so many of the organizations who were instrumental in the ADA's passage will be part of the celebrations of its 25^th anniversary," said President Bush. "It simply would not have happened without them all. And I want to especially thank Tom Ridge who has personally invested so much of his time and singular leadership in the issue of disability."

About NOD

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to increase employment opportunities for the 79 percent of working age Americans with disabilities who are not employed. To achieve this goal, NOD offers a suite of employment solutions, tailored to meet leading companies' workforce needs. NOD has helped some of the world's most recognized brands be more competitive in today's global economy by building or enriching their disability inclusion programs. For more information about NOD and how its Bridges Advisory Services, CEO Council of Corporate Leaders and Disability Employment Tracker™ can help your business, visit www.NOD.org.

CONTACT: Zach Chizar
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Video - http://youtu.be/b0FED6ifJnc

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150717/237981

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SOURCE National Organization on Disability