Gov. Tom Ridge Attends Funeral of Sen. Bob Dole; Salutes His Legacy on Disability Rights

Friday, December 10th 2021

Gov. Tom Ridge, chairman of the National Organization on Disability, was in attendance today at the funeral of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole at the National Cathedral in Washington.

“Any discussion about the opportunities that exist today for people with disabilities in America must include the heroic contributions of my friend Bob Dole,” said Gov. Ridge. “Himself a World War II veteran who returned home with a disability, Sen. Dole wielded his power and influence in the Senate to advance the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, signed into law by another World War II veteran and friend, President George H.W. Bush. Sen. Dole, who at the time was the minority leader, used his bipartisan influence to push the legislation forward. It is not hyperbole to say that the ADA likely never would have passed without his support and advocacy amongst his colleagues. In fact, Sen. Tom Harkin has referred to Sen. Dole as the linchpin to the Republicans as they advanced the final language in the bill.

“Bob Dole is from America’s Greatest Generation, and his contributions are too many to count. For those of us who spend time in the disability field, and for me personally, who was privileged to cast an affirmative vote for the ADA as a congressman, his legacy will forever be remembered. And I hope that it is equally appreciated by millions of his fellow Americans who access the rights provided in the ADA every day of their lives. Myself now included.”