Department of Justice Seal


ASSIGNMENT DESK PLANNING MEMORANDUM

To: ASSIGNMENT DESK EDITORS

From: CHRISTINE DIBARTOLO

Re: 8th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Date: JULY 23, 1998

Sunday, July 26th, marks the eighth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination against the 50 million Americans with disabilities.

As Attorney General Janet Reno says, "The ADA is making it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to take advantage of all America has to offer."

Background Information and Interviews

Justice Department officials are available for background and on the record interviews to discuss the Department's efforts as well as answer any of your questions. If you would like to schedule an interview or would like additional information, please contact Christine DiBartolo at:

(202) 616 2765

Written Materials

Upon request, the Justice Department can provide overviews describing its efforts to make society more accessible. It also can provide materials describing the requirements of the law.

Outreach Efforts

Shortly after becoming Attorney General, Janet Reno launched a public education campaign to inform Americans about their rights and obligations under the law. The campaign has included a public service announcement featuring President Clinton, which has aired on hundreds of radio stations across the country.

The Justice Department also offers a toll free hotline for individuals looking for information about the law. The number is: 1 800 514 0301 or 800 514 0383(TDD). The information line receives hundreds of calls every week.

Further, the Justice Department has set up a web site that provides additional material about the law as well as copies of recent settlements and lawsuits. The web site address is: [http://www.ada.gov/adahom1.htm]. The web site registers about 15,000 hits every week.

Background Information

The Department of Justice is the primary agency charged with enforcing the ADA. In the last year alone, the Justice Department has reached agreements that have increased access to scores of hotels, stores, restaurants, theaters, stadiums, and town halls across the country.

# # #

98 343