FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 30, 2000
From: THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the
Press Secretary
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today, I am pleased to sign into law S. 1809, the "Developmental
Disabilities assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000." This legislation
reauthorizes programs
that support people with developmental disabilities and helps them
achieve their maximum potential through increased self-determination,
independence, productivity, and integration in all facets of life. The
Act also adds important new authority to provide services and activities
for families of individuals with developmental disabilities and the
dedicated workers who assist them.
Since 1963, the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act has made a crucial difference in the
lives and futures of individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families. Through this Act, Federal funds support the development
and operation of State Councils, Protection and Advocacy Systems, University
Centers (formerly known as university affiliated programs), and projects
of national significance. This crucial investment has provided the structure
to assist people with developmental disabilities to pursue meaningful
and productive lives. These programs have made community living possible
for individuals across our Nation with significant disabilities. The
Act has led to further Federal legislation in support of all people
with disabilities. Therefore, it is only fitting that I am signing this
legislation in the same year as the 25th anniversary of the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act and the 10th anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
When the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act was first conceived by President Kennedy,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Dr. Robert Cooke, the primary emphasis was
on the advancement of scientific understanding, professional education,
and ensuring access to, and safety of, institutional facilities. Later
changes, as conceived by Dr. Elizabeth Boggs, Dr. Elsie Helsel, and
others, focused on efforts of families, professionals, and State agencies
to improve supports for all people with developmental disabilities.
Today, the programs emphasize fundamental system change, including legal
services and advocacy and capacity-building at the State and local levels.
The focus is on listening to people with developmental disabilities
as self-advocates, and helping people with developmental disabilities
and their families obtain the information, assistive technology, and
supports they need to make more informed choices about how and where
to live. An important aspect of today's work is to ensure self-determination
and access to supports for historically unserved and underserved populations
across the Nation. To ensure continued progress in these areas, S. 1809
now includes performance-based accountability requirements.
The programs carried out through this
Act improve and expand opportunities for individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families. My Administration is committed to working
with Indian Tribes on a government-to-government basis to address issues
of shared concern, and I encourage the next Administration and Congress
to explore ways for this legislation to provide appropriate roles for
Indian Tribes and Native Americans pursuant to this legislation.
Investments in the freedom and the future
of Americans with significant, lifelong disabilities are important investments
in the
well-being of our Nation. For these reasons, I am pleased to sign the
"Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of
2000."
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE,
October 30, 2000.
###
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials
are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Back to Top
The page was last updated:
October 22, 2003
|