Self-advocates, parents and disability advocates are needed to “pack the room” at an upcoming House hearing on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that will focus on the law’s successes and problems. Bring friends and neighbors too!

This hearing, unfortunately, could focus more on the ADA’s problems than its successes, considering that the business community will be testifying and is expected to address the practices of unscrupulous lawyers who file so-called “drive-by” ADA lawsuits, claiming that these lawsuits are overwhelming and financially burdensome to small business owners. In an effort to weaken the law further, they may request that the ADA be amended to address these concerns.

The ADA, enacted in 1990, has protected the civil rights and has helped eliminate discrimination for people with disabilities around the country. For our constituents, strong grassroots support at this hearing is critical in our effort to protect the Americans with Disabilities Act and promote ADA Restoration legislation, which could fix the years of damage created by the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts around the nation.

WHAT: Oversight Hearing on “The Americans with Disabilities Act: Sixteen Years Later,” House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, chaired by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)

WHEN: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2006
WHERE: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
WEBCAST: Committe on the Judiciary website

NOTE: All attendees are encouraged to check the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution website at on the morning of the hearing to ensure that it is still on the schedule. Since seats are first-come, first-serve, attendees are encouraged to show up at the committee hearing room approximately one hour prior the 2:00 p.m. hearing.

For more information, contact Janna Starr, Director of Disability Rights, Technology and Family Policy, The Arc, United Cerebral Palsy, and Disability Policy Collaboration by phone at 202-783-2229.