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August 3, 2015

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Friends,

Twenty-five years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, a groundbreaking piece of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law broke down barriers to education, employment and technology. It made public transportation more accommodating, established universal design standards, improved voting accessibility, and expanded inclusion and justice for millions.

The ADA made a statement about how we treat and value people with disabilities, reinforcing the notion that a disability does not disqualify a person from meaningful contributions in the classroom, workplace or community.

It changed my life. It made it possible for me to pursue my dreams and serve in the United States Congress.

This silver anniversary is an important opportunity to reflect on how far we have come. I introduced a resolution to commemorate the progress we’ve made, and also to chart a course for the future. I shared my thoughts on the ADA in The Hill and The Providence Journal, and appeared at events at the White House and the Library of Congress.

Here in Rhode Island, I was proud to join with a group of advocates who will carry this torch into the future. They are the next generation of activists, and their leadership is sorely needed, because as far as we have come, we still have much work to do to realize the goal of full participation and inclusion for people with disabilities. With them at the forefront, I am hopeful and excited about what the future holds for the disability community.

To learn more about the issues I care about, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Town Hall Time

The concerns of my constituents are always on my mind, and your feedback helps direct my work in Washington. Help me best represent your interests by joining me for a Town Hall meeting this summer! All are invited to the Swift Community Center in East Greenwich on August 13, and the Johnston Senior Center on September 1, both at 6 p.m.

Access to Opportunity

Access to education is access to opportunity. There are many young people in Rhode Island who face tremendous challenges outside the classroom, however, making the pursuit of a college education particularly difficult. We must do everything we can to support all students who want to learn. I was proud to announce more than $554,000 in federal funding to CCRI that will help level the playing field for first-generation and low-income students, and students with disabilities.

Join the Conversation:

Save The Date

4TH ANNUAL GUATEMALAN FESTIVAL

Celebrate Guatemalan culture, music and food!
August 30, 12-7pm
Temple to Music
Roger Williams Park

Did You Know...?

YAWGOOG CENTENNIAL

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of Camp Yawgoog, the heart of the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America. ››

FAST FACT

Social Security turns 80 this year, while Medicare and Medicaid turn 50, and the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans is hosting a birthday celebration at the Johnston Senior Center. ››

In Other News

ON THE HOUR

Rep. Langevin appeared on PBS’s NewsHour to discuss the barriers that still exist for people with disabilities, even after passage of the ADA. ››

BREACH OF TRUST

Rep. Langevin was one of the first and strongest voices in Congress to speak about the OPM breach and the need for cybersecurity leadership. ››

JOURNEY TO FIRST

Rep. Langevin celebrated Rhode Island’s leadership in wind power as Deepwater Wind continues construction on the offshore Block Island Wind Farm. ››

IN MEMORIAM

The legacy of social justice advocate Sister Ann Keefe will live on at a Providence Post Office that Rep. Langevin helped to have named in her honor. ››

CYBER TOOLS

Rep. Langevin underscored the need for strong cybersecurity provisions in export controls, but also warned of unintended consequences for businesses and research. ››

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

To raise awareness and rally others to the cause, Rep. Langevin hosted a briefing where journalist Dan Rather shared his documentary on the rehoming of adopted children. ››

NEXT-GEN TECH

Rep. Langevin called for continued research and development in lasers and other directed energy technology and its role in our national defense. ››

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