The following are the opening sections of a report by the
National Council on Disability, issued on the 5th anniversary of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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                        LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL





July 26, 1995

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The National Council on Disability is pleased to submit to you
this report, entitled Voices of Freedom:  America Speaks Out on
the ADA.  Under its Congressional mandate, the National Council
on Disability is charged with the responsibility to gather
information on the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This report describes the
implementation of this landmark civil rights legislation from the
perspectives of people with disabilities in all 50 States, the
District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Over the past several months, the Council has met with thousands
of people with disabilities, with their family members, with
business people, and with public servants.  Our overall
conclusion from these meetings is that the ADA is beginning to
create positive and, at times, dramatic changes in the lives of
people with disabilities.  However, given the many areas where
compliance has not yet been achieved, and in recognition of the
relatively brief time in which the law has been in effect, it is
clear that further efforts are necessary in order to increase
public awareness of the Act, furnish education and clarification
to covered entities regarding the provisions of the Act, and
provide the resources required to encourage voluntary compliance
and ensure effective enforcement.

In this report we also address some of the myths that have arisen
regarding the ADA.  As with any legislation that addresses the
painful subject of prejudice in our society, the ADA has been
under attack.  This report, which describes the real-life
experiences of thousands of citizens with disabilities as well as
all credible research on this topic to date, challenges these
myths.

Today, as we observe-and celebrate-the fifth anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, I once again pledge our
unwavering commitment to ensuring that equality of opportunity,
full participation, independent living, and economic self-
sufficiency become realities in the
lives of Americans with disabilities.  Under your leadership, I
remain confident that we can continue to build an America where
all citizens have equal access to the achievement of these
important goals.

Sincerely,



Marca Bristo
Chairperson

(This same letter was sent to the President Pro Tempore of the
Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.)




VOICES OF FREEDOM:
AMERICA SPEAKS OUT ON THE ADA

A REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS





















                           July 26, 1995







National Council on Disability

Voices of Freedom:  America Speaks Out on the ADA
A Report to the President and Congress

Publication date:  July 26, 1995

National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, N.W.
Suite 1050
Washington, D.C.  20004-1107

(202)  272-2004 Voice
(202)  272-2074 TT
(202)  272-2022 Fax


This report was prepared under contract by Macfadden &
Associates, Inc. (MAI).

















The views contained in this report do not necessarily represent
those of the Administration, as this document has not been
subjected to the A-19 Executive Branch review process.






NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY MEMBERS AND STAFF

Members

Marca Bristo, Chairperson
John A. Gannon, Vice Chairperson
Yerker Andersson
Ellis B. Bodron
Larry Brown, Jr.
John D. Kemp
Ela Yazzie-King
Audrey McCrimon
Bonnie O'Day
Lilliam R. Pollo
Debra Robinson
Shirley W. Ryan
Michael B. Unhjem
Rae E. Unzicker
Kate P. Wolters

Staff

Speed Davis, Acting Executive Director
Billie Jean Hill, Program Specialist
Jamal Mazrui, Program Specialist
Mark S. Quigley, Public Affairs Specialist
Brenda Bratton, Executive Secretary
Stacey S. Brown, Staff Assistant
Janice Mack, Administrative Officer







ABSTRACT

Throughout the five years that have passed since the Americans
with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the National Council
on Disability has monitored the progress of its implementation.
Between February and June 1995, in keeping with its commitment to
the Nation's citizens with disabilities, the Council visited all
50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
in order to learn how effective the ADA has been to date in
ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent
living, and economic self-sufficiency for Americans with
disabilities.

In meeting with thousands of people with disabilities, as well as
with family members of people with disabilities, business people,
and public servants, the Council discovered that the ADA has
resulted in real, concrete progress.  The report that follows
documents real changes in the lives of real people.  It
demonstrates that:

      People with disabilities are proud to be equal American
       citizens.

      Children and youth with disabilities are encouraged to go
       to school, to participate in and learn from their
       communities, and to prepare for jobs.

      Adults with disabilities are finding a reduction in
       employment barriers and more freedom to travel in their
       communities, and they are becoming customers of accessible
       bu