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Background on the
President's New Freedom Initiative


The Americans with Disabilities Act: Title II

The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

The Olmstead Decision

The President took his first step in calling for swift implementation of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision by issuing an Executive Order on June 18, 2001 directing federal agencies to identify barriers and solutions for community living. Implementation of this Order calls for public in-put.

The New Freedom Initiative

Executive Orders for NFI

The New Freedom Initiative's proposals include:

Delivering on the Promise

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson presented President Bush with Delivering on the Promise: Compilation of Individual Federal Agency Report of Actions to Eliminate Barriers and Promote Community Integration (http://www.hhs.gov/newfreedom/final/) on March 25, 2002. In the report, nine federal agencies outline more than 400 specific solutions that the agencies can implement to support community living for nearly 54 million Americans living with disabilities.

An HHS follow-up report entitled Progress on the Promise, details 55 specific actions that HHS commits to carryout or seriously consider.

Reference Information

NFI Home

Last Modified on Thursday, September 16, 2004