Senator Tom Harkin’s Amazing Legacy
Meeting Senator Harkin in Washington, DC at 2014 Colorado Capital Conference
What better way to begin my journey than to acknowledge the journey of someone who has dedicated their life to supporting those with disabilities. The ability of many individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives is the result of Senator Harkin’s landmark legislation in 1990, the American with Disabilities Act. Not only did the law make discrimination on the basis of disability illegal, it also forged the way for many of those things that able-bodied individuals take for granted — but individuals with disabilities rely on for their quality of life. Ramps for wheel chair access to public building, lifts on public vehicles, braille on elevator buttons, audible crossing signals, accessible sidewalks/curbs, and many other things are the direct result of Senator Harkin’s actions. Senator Harking is planning to retire and will not seek reelection in 2014. He will be missed!