Thornburgh Family Lecture 2009: Tom Harkin



6/1/2009

Presented by: Tom Harkin

Senator Tom Harkin has led the fight to ensure equality amongst the millions of Americans with disabilities since first being elected to the U.S. Congress in 1974 and later to the U.S. Senate in 1984.  Harkin considers the Americans with Disabilites Act (ADA) of 1990 his signature legislative achievement.  Known as the "Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities," this landmark law protects the civil rights of millions of Americans with physical and mental disabilities.  The law has literally changed the landscape of America by requiring accessible buildings and transportation and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.