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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.
There is an old Irish adage, part of which I would like to share with you on
the passing of Senator Kennedy:
'MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU,
MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK,
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,
MAY THE RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN."
***************************
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
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