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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING EMMANUEL SMITH AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 7, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, 30 years ago--on July 26, 1990--the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting
discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all facets of
life ranging from employment and transportation to public
accommodations and government services.
That is why today, in light of the anniversary of this revolutionary
legislation, I rise to ask the House of Representatives to join me in
recognizing Emmanuel Smith, Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries
of Social Security advocate at Disability Rights Iowa, as this week's
Iowan of the Week.
Emmanuel was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle
Bone Disease, which causes his bones to break easily. Disability rights
is a critical aspect of his life--and he's turned to giving back to
this community and advocated on their behalf as his driving force.
Emmanuel also found inspiration from meeting our Senator, Tom Harkin,
the author and chief sponsor of the ADA, at its 10-year anniversary
celebration.
After graduating from Drake University, Emmanuel began working for
Disability Rights Iowa. He works hard to ensure others don't have to
face the same difficulties that he has in the past, and seeks to take
down barriers to employment and fight workplace discrimination against
individuals with disabilities.
Emmanuel's role within DRI has evolved as they address the additional
challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emmanuel stepped up to the
challenge and continues to fight for equitable employment services by
teaching people about their rights in the context of working during a
pandemic.
Emmanuel attributes many of the opportunities he's had to the ADA,
claiming that without its protections, his life would look very
different.
Without the ADA, he would not have had access to traditional
education in high school or college. Accessible busing and
Paratransit--services Emmanuel and many others rely on so they may
travel independently--would not be possible if not for the ADA.
But while Emmanuel believes that the ADA has given people the
possibility not to be restricted by their disabilities, he knows that
there is still a long way to go before the intentions of the bill are
fully realized. Emmanuel continues to advocate for universal,
accessible design in Iowa cities and towns, push for an inclusive
design for the Iowa caucuses, and push for putting more individuals
with disabilities in leadership positions.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, we must remember the importance of equality for all
Americans. I am proud to know that there are people in Iowa like
Emmanuel Smith who advocate for equal opportunities for their fellow
Iowans and inspire the rest of us to join in this fight.
It is my honor to share Emmanuel Smith's story today, and recognize
him as our Iowan of the Week.
____________________
