Iowa Lt. Governor Sally Pederson announced yesterday a new link on the state of Iowa's Web site, designed to make it easier for persons with disabilities to access state government services. The "Iowa Disability Agencies" link will allow citizens to go directly to a list of disability services and state agencies that provide those services. The link will also appear on the governor and lt. governor's Web site.

The announcement coincides with the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law in 1990 due to the leadership of Iowa Senator Tom Harkin. The lt. governor also announced that the Iowa Department of Human Rights, in consultation with the state's Information Technology Enterprise, will partner with individuals with diverse disabilities to ensure all state agencies' Web sites are accessible to different populations.

"Iowa has embraced the Americans with Disabilities Act and benefited from the skills, knowledge, talent and productivity of people with disabilities," said Pederson. "On this historic day, we are happy to announce state government is continuing to improve accessibility for Iowans with disabilities. We have a responsibility to ensure our most vulnerable populations can access state government services quickly and easily."

The ADA provides a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA also ensures that the federal government plays a central role in enforcing the standards established in this Act on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

"The implementation of the ADA has increased Iowa's employment rate and worked toward eliminating discrimination against the largest minority group -- individuals with disabilities. It is important for our state to embrace diversity in the workplace and elsewhere in society not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it helps our economy and maximizes opportunities for all Iowans. Governor Vilsack and I urge all Iowans to join in the effort to create a more enlightened public attitude and encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in society."
KW