Washington, D.C. (September 26, 2014)- The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Eric Holder as Attorney General of the United States.
“Attorney General Eric Holder, the first African American to hold this Cabinet post, lead one of the most focused and successful Departments at enforcing disability law and regulation in recent history. His diligence in enforcing disability law resulted in one of the most independent communities of people with disabilities in United States history, and has cemented his role as a true champion for people with disabilities.
Attorney General Holder’s groundbreaking enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision have created new opportunities for many thousands of people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes and communities. His efforts have fundamentally changed the lives of people with disabilities, allowing many to participate as full members of society for the first time.
Under Attorney General Holder’s impressive leadership, the Justice Department also issued important regulations implementing the ADA — the first comprehensive regulatory update to the ADA since the original regulations were promulgated almost twenty-five years ago. In addition, Holder helped to ensure that more people with disabilities have equal access to polling locations, along with his efforts to prevent states from instituting regressive voter laws, have expanded access to the vote for Americans with disabilities across the country.”
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The American Association of People with Disabilities is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.