THOUSANDS TO MARCH FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Joined by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, and Dick Gregory

On October 3, 2000 at 12:30 thousands of people with disabilities, their families and supporters will hold a rally in Upper Senate Park (Constitution and Delaware Avenues, NE) and then march to the Supreme Court. There they will surround the court and light the Spirit of ADA torch. Called the "March for Justice; We’re Voting for Our Lives" the events highlight the need to affirm the constitutionality of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equality in employment, public accommodations, telecommunications, and state and local services. We’re voting for our lives is met to highlight upcoming elections and encourage people with disabilities and their supporters to register to vote and vote their conscience for candidates who support the ADA.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, and Dick Gregory will speak as well as a diverse group of leaders from the disability community led by Congressional Medal of Freedom Award winner Justin Dart, Jr.

This month the Supreme Court is preparing to hear a challenge to the ADA by the state of Alabama. The case of University of Alabama v. Garrett questions whether Congress exceeded its authority by allowing individuals to sue states in federal court for disability discrimination. Advocates fear that a "states’ rights" argument may prevail, thus effectively stripping disabled individuals of federal protection from unfair treatment by state governments, either as employers or as service providers. Many see this case as the disability community's Brown v Topeka Board of Education.

Thousands of people from all across the nation will converge on Washington to take part in the March for Justice and rally. They will draw attention to the continuing need for civil rights protection for people with mental and physical impairments and the positive effects of the legislation on society as a whole.

"There are no guarantees in life," said Stephanie Thomas of ADAPT. "Anyone may find themselves facing the injustice of discrimination by an employer or lack of access because of a disability or even a serious illness such as cancer, asthma or HIV/AIDS. They could be forced into a nursing home. Without the protections that the ADA provides to guard against injustices in the workplace and community, everyone in America is faced with the threat of losing their civil rights."

Many participants are arriving in Washington as part of the Rolling Freedom Express caravan, which began in Birmingham, Alabama and traveled through seven states to reach in the nation's capital.

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