Decorah celebrates 20th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

A crowd of 60 people attended ceremonies Monday morning marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin office staffer Linda Lucy told the crowd "sometimes it's hard to remember before (the act went into effect)."  She told the group the U.S. Senate "heard heart-breaking testimonies (in 1990) about the challenges everyday Americans faced."  But now those challenges have been overcome and busses, train, movie theaters, ballparks and all other public facilities are accessible to those with handicaps.  "No one is excluded," Lucy told the crowd.

State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm also addressed the crowd and noted the struggles people with disabilities faced in the past.  "Today I am proud to say it's much easier," she said.

On July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities.  The legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination.

People attending the ceremony were served free carrot cake in honor of the ADA's birthday.

Former Decorah City council member Jim Dale was MC of the ceremony