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This is a letter I received
in response to the draft copy of this book send to the U.S. Department of
Justice, May 11, 1990.
Ms. Donna Colleen Jones Flood
RR 7, Box 316
Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601
Dear Ms. Flood:
This letter replies to your recent letter to the then Acting Assistant
Attorney General for Civil Rights, which you sent with a draft copy of the
book you are writing about your daughter who has cerebral palsy. Your
story describes the efforts, albeit often slow and inconsistent, to
provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities, especially
children, to the facilities and programs in our communities. It also
portrays the challenges to individuals with disabilities to share in the
opportunities and experiences available in this society. Historically, the
parents of children with disabilities, as well as those related by family
and friendship to children who have disabilities, have made a significant
difference and have inspired many of the changes in this country,
particularly in education programs.
This nation’s policy is to
end discrimination against individuals with disabilities, but the many
years when individuals with disabilities were neglected and isolated means
that much must be undone and much remains to be accomplished as we strive
to implement the laws behind this policy. Further, we must affect both the
attitudes and actions of all citizens and all governmental and private
institutions so that individuals with handicaps can participate fully and
independently in American life.
We trust that this promise
may become a reality for your daughter and your family
Sincerely,
Stewart B. Onegilia,
Chief
Coordination and Review Section
Civil Rights Division |
