NEW LEADERSHIP FOR A NEW ERA
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Since my tenure in Congress, I have continually been impressed with theleadership, dedication, and commitment of Dr. Sylvia Walker and the Howard UniversityResearch and Training Center staff. The President's Committee is pleased that we have developed such a harmonious and collaborative working relationship with the Center.
I was appointed on March 2, 1994 as the new Chairman of the President'sCommittee on Employment of People with Disabilities. I am pleased and honored tosucceed Justin Dart, the former and distinguished Chairman. On Friday, March 4, 1994in a meeting at the President's Committee's office, Justin Dart passed the mantle ofleadership to me as the new Chair. I have been a staunch supporter and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and am the original author of the Americans withDisabilities Act. I stand and remain committed to work for the equality and empowerment of all people with disabilities.
Again, I would like to express my congratulations and gratitude for your efforts indeveloping the "New Leadership for a New Era" conference which was conducted lastyear. It is my understanding from President's Committee staff who participated in thisnoble event, that it was both beneficial and educational. Your list of presenters werediverse and well qualified to address leadership issues which face minority persons withdisabilities. The papers were superb and timely. I believe that this publication will better aid all of America in understanding the dilemma faced by minority people with disabilities. Also, I feel assured that this publication will help each of us in becoming more sensitive to the needs of such persons. This publication will be a valuable historical document in the future just as Building Bridges to Independence, Equal to the Challenge, and Future Frontiers in the Employment of Minority Persons with Disabilities and other noted documents.
Minority persons with disabilities are important in the struggle for full equality andempowerment of people with disabilities. Minority persons with disabilities must be ableto develop and exemplify leadership and advocacy skills. It is critical that minority persons with disabilities be included in the loop and have a fair chance to participate in our "Great American Dream." The aforementioned conference and this book will greatly aid in the empowerment of minority people with disabilities. It will help us all to support "full integration" of all our disabled citizens.
Tony Coelho
Chairman
President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
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Page last updated on March 20, 1997 by Mary Kaye Rubin