Hi John,

Today is the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law. Thanks to the work of numerous disability and civil rights advocates and Iowa’s own U.S. Senator, Tom Harkin, generations of Iowans are able to fully access their communities.

I’ve personally seen just how important the ADA is and how it transformed lives. My mom Terry was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2000 and began using a wheelchair in 2004. Without the ADA, many buildings and public spaces would have been inaccessible for my mom.

By providing accessible education, workplace environments, and public spaces, the ADA expanded civil rights and protections for my mom and other people with accessibility needs. I’ll forever be grateful to Senator Harkin for making disability rights the centerpiece of his career.

We must never stop fighting for an Iowa where everyone has an equal opportunity for employment and education. On the 32nd birthday of the ADA, let’s recommit ourselves to advancing disability equality, dignity, access, and inclusion.

Thank you,

Zach