July 1, 2008
Dear Epilepsy Foundation Advocates,
I am very happy to report that the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 3195, formerly known as the ADA Restoration Act) passed the House Wednesday night by an overwhelming vote of 402-17. The bill clarifies for the courts that people with disabilities should not lose civil rights protections because their condition is treatable. The Foundation is now initiating a major push to persuade the Senate to take similar action before the November election.
Epilepsy advocates deserve a lot of credit for this success. For months, advocates have written, called and met with their Representatives. This is an example what the Epilepsy Foundation, affiliates and national, can accomplish when we work together and the vote underscores why it is so important for us and everyone affected by epilepsy to get involved with the Foundation. I want to single out two individuals who were champions of the original Americans with Disabilities Act and who have tirelessly worked to bring this bill together and move it through Congress ? our former Board Chair, Tony Coelho and our Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs, Sandy Finucane. Both Tony and Sandy deserve our appreciation for their dedication to people with epilepsy and their passionate commitment to making policy changes that will protect the rights of people with disabilities.
In a show of bipartisan unity, congressional leaders and key members of the disability and employer communities, including the Epilepsy Foundation, held a press conference in support of the bill shortly before it went to the House floor for a vote. ?We?re here today to burst the doors open once and for all!? said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to a chorus of cheers.
The bill now moves to the Senate. Epilepsy advocates are strongly encouraged to set up personal meetings with their Senators and urge them to support swift enactment of the ADA Amendments Act. Advocates are also encouraged to contact their Representative and thank him/her for supporting this landmark legislation.
You can read our press statement and view a video of advocates and families discussing the importance of the ADA on our Web site:
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/news/ADA-Amendments.cfm
Thank you for your hard work and I look forward to joining you in efforts to get this important legislation passed into law!
Sincerely,
Eric Hargis
President & CEO
Epilepsy Foundation National
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