Monday, August 31, 2009

Ted Kennedy- Congressional Champion for Persons with Disabilities


NATIONAL REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION- From Patricia Leahy


On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the consummate Congressional champion of children and adults with disabilities, passed away. Known to many as the Liberal Lion of the Senate, no one was more sincere about crossing the political aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship than Senator Kennedy. President Obama called Senator Kennedy "Not only one of the greatest Senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans to ever serve democracy. " One of his closest friends, Senator Orrin Hatch (R.UT.) said of his Congressional colleague, "Today, America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant and a leader in the Senate, and I lost a treasured friend." Former First Lady Nancy Reagan called Senator Kennedy "a dear friend." Senator John McCain (R.AZ.) said of Senator Kennedy: "He always kept his word, and that is far less common around here than a lot of people think." "We just sat down together and worked out a proposal. He didn't start it; I didn't start it. We just sat down and said OK, here's what we want to achieve -- what do we have to do?"

Forever at the forefront of the discussion and debate on ensuring the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy forged partnerships with everyone he could in the Capitol and in our great country to ensure those rights were appreciated, respected and resulted in policies and legislation that were both bipartisan and benefited those who most needed representation in Congress -- children and adults with disabilities.

When the Congress began discussions on the great civil rights law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Senator Kennedy and others, many of whom were inspired by the Senator, shepherded IDEA through the Senate. During the discussions on a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all, Senator Kennedy, once again, was at the forefront of the debate. During sometimes spirited discussions on whom should comprise the IEP team, including the general education teacher, Senator Kennedy was there providing gifted guidance on the importance of diverse membership in this singularly important process for determining a student's progression.


When some balked at the thought of an inclusive classroom for children and young adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy and others made the case with and on behalf of parents and students with disabilities in both the Capitol and in our country that students with disabilities had the RIGHT to be educated with their non-disabled peers. When it became increasingly apparent that the greatest country in the world -- the United States of America -- did not have an infrastructure that was accessible to all Americans -- Senator Kennedy and many others began a bipartisan journey that was to result in one of the greatest pieces of legislation to ever emerge from the Congress: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Senator Kennedy has always been there for children and adults with disabilities. While his presence will be missed, the spirit of his memorable mission of equality, dignity and respect for all individuals with disabilities will forever remain.

Patricia Leahy
Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
National Rehabilitation Association
633 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-258-4295
NRA Office - 703-836-0850
NRA Fax - 703-836-0848
TDD - 703-836-0849
E-mail -
patricia@nationalrehab.org
NRA Website - www.nationalrehab.org

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was a sad moment on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, when Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the hero of many children and adults with disabilities, passed away. He leaves a great legacy as President Obama called him "Not only one of the greatest Senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans to ever serve democracy." It is not that common to see an individual carry on his duty with such passion, honor and dignity. He made many dreams a reality for individuals with disability and that will never be forgot, a true advocate, dedicated to the people and for the people is not easy to find let alone keep for so many years. We as a nation will be forever thankful for his work as he was at the forefront of the most vital event in history. Inclusion and so much more has marked the greatness of love in a man who knew he was called for a greater purpose. Many men die and their memory dies with them but that will never be said of Senator Kennedy, a grateful citizen says THANK YOU! NOW WHO’S NEXT TO FILL THE SHOES OF A MAN USED IN A MIGHTY WAY? Gloria P.

Anonymous said...

How sad the day of August 25, 2009 when Senator Kennedy passed away. We lost a great man that would move a great deal for people, adults and children with disabilities. There seem fewer and fewer people of their word in congress like Senator Ted Kennedy. During his time in congress he did many great and impacting thing for students with disabilities for example, mainstreaming students with disabilities and not keeping them hidden away in some remote room. The self-esteem of students went up and that was an overall awesome move.Gloria was right when she state "now who's next to fill the shoes of a man used in a mighty way?" He was as President Obama stated one of the greatest Senators of our time. His much involvement with dealing with disability will be felt and missed.
elda

Anonymous said...

Senator Kennedy was certainly one of the best most productive advocates for people with disabilities (PWD). It is a shame that he is no longer among us, however, I hope his conviction stays here among his coworkers and all the people who knew him. He defiantly had a vision for people with disabilities, he knew what being an advocate meant and he understood the difficulties they often face. I think laws and regulations are the best way to enforce the rights of children and adults with disabilities. Attitudes can certainly make the difference in working with people with disabilities and enforcing their rights. Senator Kennedy surly enough had the right attitude, I really hope that the rest of the senate considers and his vision and keeps his journey for him. Senator Kennedy defiantly took a holistic approach when advocating for children and adults with disabilities. He knew inclusion for students with disabilities would not only help them improve academically but would also help increased awareness among the other students.
Mariana G.

Anonymous said...

Though, Tuesday, August 25, 2009 was a sad day for so many Americans due to Senator Edward M. Kennedy's death; it was a day to commemorate the life and work of a great politician but most of all, a great human being. It was amazing to see how people form all over the country demonstrated the affection, respect, and admiration they had for Senator Kennedy. From politicians to the ordinary citizens, we are all influenced by his great work. He made tremendous contributions in favor of people with disabilities and continued his work in providing a health program that could be available to everyone. His great dedication to public service is rarely seen in these days and it will be difficult for anyone to live up to his standards. Senator Kennedy was a great role model and example of how we should lend a helping hand. In the end we all benefit from our actions. It will be difficult for anyone to live up to his legacy but we can all work together in order to finish what he started.
A.Huerta

Anonymous said...

It was indeed a tragedy that Senator Edward M. Kennedy passed away. Instead of grieving we should be proud for the many things he did for our country by being a huge advocate for persons with disabilities and especially children and education. I think that we should all be very appreciative of what he did for IDEA and FAPE, because I do believe that a child’s environment in school is very important to the outcome of their education. To separate children with disabilities from children without disabilities can do a lot to a child’s self-esteem, social skills, and overall learning experience. I did not know much about Senator Kennedy, but from many of the comments of other important leaders he seems like a man that has done a lot and will be greatly missed. It is now another important leader’s job and opportunity to pick up where he left off and continue advocating for persons with disabilities.
A. Arellano

Anonymous said...

Senator M. Kennedy was a great leader especially in the eyes of children and adults with disabilities. He was a great man who had passed over a thousands bills in the United States in his career. I honestly didn’t know much about Senator M. Kennedy only that he was part of the Kennedy family. After looking him up in Goggle I was very surprise to see how much he got to accomplish in his life time. He was the man who fought for minimum wage and for good health care. He was really a well known man and was liked by many people. He had such a passion to help people especially those with a disability. I thought his biggest accomplishment was the CHIP program it covered almost seven million children this year alone they are expect to cover over eleven million children. I’m sure a lot of people will miss him and his family should be very proud.
Tanya D :o(

Anonymous said...

The death of such a great person was truly a hard hit for many of us, but especially for the countless of children and adults that have a disability. Ted Kennedy served as such an exemplary of what a fighting warrior representing the people with disabilities should be. Although at times he seemed to be alone, he never gave up the fight to defend the PWD. He was a "Spartan" that held his sheild to defend what individuals with disabilities should have in order to live independently or have a better life. We have truly lost a remarkable man, that i think I will not see another one like him in my lifetime. His impeccable record of legislations passed and passion to help the PWD is one that will be hard, if not impossible, to ever match! Congressman Kenney, you will be missed...RIP
Norfy

Anonymous said...

On August 25, 2009, it was a sad moment for the entire nation when news came across that Senator Edward M. Kennedy a congressional champion for person with disabilities as every knew him had passed away. Senator Kennedy with no doubt a true hero. He was a person who was admired by many people because he was an advocate for people with disabilities and always dedicating himself for the nation. He was a man who believed in principals and a great leader in the democratic senate. He will greatly be missed but will never be forgotten all his great accomplishments and all the great work he left behind.

Sylvia Garza

Anonymous said...

I will be the first to admit that before I watched the televised eulogy speeches, my knowledge about Ted Kennedy’s life work was very limited. I watched as President Obama say that his death resulted in “the passing of an extraordinary leader.” Then I cried, when his son, Edward Kennedy Jr., delivered his eulogy speech and talked about the time he lost his leg when he was eleven years old.

As a senator, his life’s work was dedicated to helping people with disabilities and it was influenced by his son and his sister Rosemary. He helped write over 2,500 bills including the ADA.

I am truly inspired by his devotion to helping people with disabilities. Ted Kennedy wanted his work to continue. “The work goes on. The cause endures. The hope still lives and the dream will never die.”

B. Ramirez
REHS 6300

ANGELA said...

Ted Kennedy was a great advocate for many topics related to disabilities... He was an inspiration to many people, and really lived up to the kennedy legacy.

Unknown said...

I am glad to see that Ted Kennedy was chosen to be remembered as more than for his negative attributes. He was a definate champion for individuals with disabilities throughout his lifetime. He was a champion for others. I am glad that he was remembered in such a way.

Anonymous said...

I remember when Senator Kennedy passed away and I watched a documentary based on his life; he was a truly great man, the last of the Kennedy brothers. America lost a great hero, especially for individuals with disabilities because he was such a strong supported and advocate for disabled men, women, and children. He helped finalize the American’s with Disabilities Act and he was a strong supported for the IDEA and the FAPE. It is because of strong leaders such as Senator Kennedy, that the civil rights movement took place and finalized equal rights to all persons with disabilities. Our nation lost a true civil rights leader and activist and those are some mighty big shoes to fill, for the one who takes his place.

C. Cardona

Anonymous said...

Another sad moment for the history of disabilities. One of the most accomplished advocates for PWDs passed away. It is indeed a great loss for our country, but we should be content that his contributions stay with us. IDEA has been a major piece of legislation for the inclusive education of our children with disabilities. The change to a multidisciplinary approach to ARD committee meetings is another great thing that has happened to our educational system. He was an American touched by disabilities at a family level, and I am glad he advocated for them rather that preserving the society attitudes that still exist today about our PWDs.

-Leila Flores