Senator Tom Harkin American Sign Language Senate speech

Upon passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Senator Harkin delivers a speech on the Senate Floor on July 13, 1990, beginning solely in sign language, a first in the history of the Senate. Harkin signs: “Mr. President, today was my proudest day in 16 years in congress. Today, congress opens the doors to all Americans with disabilities. Today, we said no to fear, no to ignorance, no to prejudice. The ADA is the 20th century’s Emancipation Proclamation for all Americans with disabilities. Today, the US Senate will say to all Americans that the days of segregation, the days of inequality, are over. And by your winning your full civil rights, you strengthen ours. I thank all of my fellow senators for helping pass the ADA today. Thank you.” Translation by Michael Murray.