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Breaking Down Barriers

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Thursday, July 30, 2:00PM - 4:00PM EDT

On July 30, 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted a virtual ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event featured remarks by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, DOT’s Modal Administrators, and other distinguished guests.

Below you will find a full agenda and a list of speakers for the event.

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction
Loren Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation


Keynote Address
Secretary Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation


Special Guest Remarks
Neil Romano, Chairman, National Council on Disability 


Remarks from Modal Leaders
Modal leaders from the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed impacts of the ADA, significant past accomplishments, and recent efforts on accessibility.

  • K. Jane Williams, Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
  • Steve Dickson, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
  • Jim Mullen, Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration


Panel  Session: Building an Accessible Future: Transportation and Beyond
Speakers from across the federal government discussed the work they are doing to ensure a more accessible future and what actions need to be taken to ensure an accessible transportation future for all Americans.

  • Moderator: Finch Fulton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Panelists:
    • Lance Robertson, Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor
    • Mark Schultz, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education
    • Harvey Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs


Remarks from Modal Leaders
Modal leaders from the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed impacts of the ADA, significant past accomplishments, and recent efforts on accessibility.

  • Nicole Nason, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration
  • Jerry Reynolds, Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration
  • James Owens, Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Concluding Remarks
Joel Szabat, Acting Under Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation

Last updated: Thursday, August 6, 2020