FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CR THURSDAY, JULY 25, 1996 (202) 616-2765 TDD (202) 514-1888 ATTORNEY GENERAL RENO COMMEMORATES THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Marking the sixth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Attorney General Janet Reno today stepped up the Justice Department's efforts to enforce a law that has been opening doors for millions of Americans with disabilities. Reno announced three new ADA education initiatives, including a worldwide web site. "Like the Olympics, the ADA has been bringing out the best America has to offer," said Reno. "It's a common sense law that is making it possible for the 49 million Americans with disabilities to get off the sidelines and into the mainstream of society." Since the ADA became law on July 26, 1990, the Justice Department has conducted a nationwide education campaign to educate businesses, governments, and people with disabilities about the ADA. Today, Reno announced three new initiatives in the public information campaign, including: a new ADA home page on the worldwide web to allow computer users to easily obtain information about the law's requirements, status reports on enforcement efforts, technical assistance materials, and state and local certification requirements; a new "ADA Guide for Small Businesses", containing detailed graphics and explanations of the steps businesses must take to comply with the law. It provides information about the ADA's requirements, such as the width of parking spaces, the incline of ramps, and the height of countertops; a joint initiative between state and federal officials to help prevent discrimination against individuals who use service animals. Twenty five state Attorneys General, through the National Association of Attorneys General, are distributing guidance explaining that people with disabilities must be allowed in businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and retail stores, along with their service animals. "America is becoming more accessible each day," added Reno. "But while barriers are coming down, many still remain." Over the past six years, the Justice Department has reached agreements in more than 500 matters to open doors for people with disabilities. Through the Department's efforts over the past year alone: spectators with disabilities at the Olympics can sit with their family and friends in Olympic Stadium--the most accessible stadium in the world--and watch all the action, even if fans in front stand up to cheer; Californians with speech or hearing impairments can get through to 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance; shoppers who use wheelchairs can get into the 800 Safeway stores nationwide to spend their money; movie-goers with disabilities will not have to sit in the last row at 400 United Artists theaters nationwide; and, business travelers with disabilities will start seeing changes at some Days Inn hotels, following the filing of a suit against the national chain and its franchisees, architects and contractors. "We will continue to vigorously enforce the ADA until all obstacles have been removed," added Reno. Tonight, Reno speaks at a ceremony honoring community members who have demonstrated their commitment to accommodating people with disabilities. The ceremony, sponsored by the Metro DisABILITY Coalition, takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. People interested in finding out more about the law can call the Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 TDD or access the ADA home page at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm. # # # 96-357