FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1997                            (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 
 ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO UNVEILS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
        TO COMMEMORATE THE SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA


     WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Commemorating the seventh anniversary
of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Attorney General Janet
Reno today unveiled a public service announcement in which
President Clinton stresses the importance of the landmark law.

     "The ADA is a law that has been opening doors for millions
of Americans with disabilities," said Reno.  "When people
understand what the law requires, they see how easy it is to
comply."

     During the one minute radio spot entitled "America the
Beautiful: Bringing Down Barriers", President Clinton emphasizes
that access benefits everyone and urges communities, schools and
businesses to do more to make the ADA work.

     Since the law was signed on July 26, 1990, the Justice
Department has investigated hundreds of complaints and reached
more than 600 settlements leading to greater access.   It also
has filed nearly 50 lawsuits.

     "Most importantly, we have reached out in many ways to
educate Americans about their rights and obligations under the
law," added Reno.

     The radio announcement urges listeners to learn more by
calling a toll-free ADA information line that receives more than
75,000 calls per year.  The Justice Department also has mailed
hundreds of thousands of informational packets to businesses,
governments and individuals.  

     Individuals who would like to learn more about their rights
and obligations under the law can call the toll-free information
line at: 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD) or can click on to
the ADA home page on the World Wide Web at: 
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
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