The Americans with Disabilities Act, otherwise known as the ADA, has one additional name given by its writer and sponsor: the Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities. 

A powerful namesake referring to the 1863 freeing of enslaved individuals by Abraham Lincoln, this freedom was not one from enslavement, but one of equal access and equity. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act, led by Senator Tom Harkin, born in 1939 in Cummings, Iowa, has become the foundation of the disability rights movement. 

A champion of these rights, Senator Tom Harkin was the lead sponsor of the ADA in the preparation of its passing in 1990. Senator Harkin set many firsts within the Senate Chamber, but one hit even closer to home.  

Lesser known to many disability rights movement advocates, Senator Harkin was deeply inspired and motivated in his work with the writing of the ADA by his Deaf brother, Frank Harkin. Deaf from an early age, Frank represented the vast capabilities of an individual despite their hearing loss in an age with significant lack of inclusion and access.  

Growing up as a SODA (Sibling of a Deaf Adult), Senator Harkin developed American Sign Language skills and set a Senate chamber first by delivering his ADA introduction speech both in ASL and in spoken English. Evidential of the impact of equal access, this speech delivery embodied the heart of the ADA. 

“Dear Tom 

Today I was pleased to sign into law S. 933, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Enactment of this landmark legislation opens the doors of opportunity to millions of Americans who will now begin to be able to realize their highest hopes, ambitions and dreams. 

This sweeping legislation guarantees that Americans with disabilities will enjoy full civil rights protection with respect to employment, transportation, places of public accommodation, public services and communications. 

This month we observe the 216^th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. I can think of no better way to celebrate this occasion by our Founding Fathers than by enacting this declaration of independence for Americans with disabilities. 

In that spirit and in recognition of the outstanding contribution you made to this legislation, I would like to have the enclosed pen commemorating the signing into law of this truly historic Act. 

Sincerely, George Bush” 

With amendments made considering technological development, the ADA remains the foundational standard of inclusion and accessibility offered to all Americans with disabilities. Senator Harkin and his wife Ruth continue their legacy of advocacy still today through the work of lobbying and social justice pursuits at The Harkin Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Watch Senator Harkin deliver his full speech introducing the ADA on the Senate floor here! 

Learn more about The Harkin Institute here!  

Q&A

1. Who was Tom Harkin and what role did he play in the ADA?
   Senator Tom Harkin was the lead sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Senate and was deeply influenced by his Deaf brother in championing disability rights.
2. Why did Harkin deliver part of his ADA speech in ASL?
   He delivered part of his Senate floor speech in American Sign Language to honor his brother and embody the ADA’s commitment to equal access and inclusion.
3. What is the historical significance of Senator Harkin’s brother in ADA history?
   His brother Frank, who was Deaf, inspired Harkin’s advocacy. Growing up with a Deaf sibling shaped his understanding of disability and motivated his work on the ADA.
4. When was the ADA introduced in Congress and by whom?
   The ADA was introduced as Senate Bill S. 933 in 1989 by Senators Harkin, Kennedy, and Durenberger, and it became law in 1990.
5. Why is the ADA sometimes compared to an emancipation proclamation?
   Because like the Emancipation Proclamation, the ADA is seen as a transformative civil rights statute that opens doors to freedom, equality, and access for people with disabilities.

Sources: 

https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/th-disability-bio/

https://www.facebook.com/cowleslibrary/videos/10153923203083717