Today, The Arc celebrates the life of Former Pennsylvania
Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard “Dick” Thornburgh, a champion in the
disability rights movement who played a crucial role in the passage of the
landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Thornburgh died Thursday.
He was 88.
Throughout his career, Mr. Thornburgh fought for equal rights
for people with disabilities. He was instrumental in forever changing life for
people with disabilities in the U.S. and helping to lay important groundwork
that we continue to build upon today. The ADA advanced the rights of people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities in many critical areas
including employment, state and local government services, privately operated
public accommodations such as hotels, restaurants, stores, museums,
transportation, and telecommunications.
We are grateful for Mr. Thornburgh’s persistent advocacy in
support of the ADA and bipartisan spirit demonstrated throughout the passage
and subsequent implementation of the ADA. He helped so many understand the
importance of empowering people with disabilities by removing barriers and
through his leadership.
We send our deepest condolences to his wife Ginny Thornburgh,
a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, and the entire Thornburgh
family.
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