Where Bob Dole Stands on Disabilities

Bob Dole Has Been America's Foremost Advocate for the Disabled

Bob Dole spent over 39 months recovering from massive injuries that he received while leading a platoon of the 10th Mountain Division in Italy during World War II. As a result of those injuries, Bob Dole has limited use of his right arm -- which is why he often carries a pen -- letting folks know that his arm is 'in use.'



From the moment he was injured, Bob Dole has fought for the rights of the disabled. In his first speech on the Senate floor, Dole spoke of his vision for people with disabilities - of independence, dignity and inclusion - and of his own membership in the disabled community. In that speech, he said:

"Mr. President, my remarks today concern an exceptional group which I joined on another April 14 - 24 years ago, during World War II. It is a minority group whose existence effects every person in our society and the very fiber of our nation . . . As a minority, it has always known exclusion - maybe not exclusion from the front of the bus, but perhaps from even climbing aboard it; maybe not exclusion from pursuing advanced education, but perhaps from experiencing any formal education; maybe not exclusion from day-to-day life itself, but perhaps from an adequate opportunity to develop and contribute to his or her fullest capacity."





Creating Opportunity for the Disabled in Education, Employment and Housing

During his years in the Senate, Bob Dole:

Supported every major piece of disability legislation before Congress. He has helped improve civil rights, education, job training, employment, housing and vocational training for the disabled.

Played key roles in passing the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the 1975 Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the 1986 Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill Act, the 1986 Air Carriers Access Act, the 1986 Education of the Deaf Act, the 1988 Technology Assistance Act and the 1990 Television Decoder Circuitry Act.

Led the critical negotiations to ensure the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Created the Dole Foundation, the nation's only grant-making organization dedicated solely to creating new employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Ensured the appointment of the first disabled American to the President's Council on Physical Fitness.



Bob Dole Will Continue to Ensure That All Americans Are Treated Equally

Bob Dole will build on his record in the Senate to ensure that all minority groups enjoy all the rights guaranteed to all American citizens. As President he will:

Bob Dole will build on his record in the Senate to ensure that all minority groups enjoy all the rights guaranteed to all American citizens. As President he will: Ensure that the Americans with Disabilities Act is enforced.

End the bias in the Medicaid program against home- and community-based services.

Push for greater school choice for students with disabilities.

Convene a White House Conference on employment of people with disabilities.

Create a special Presidential award to recognize those employees and programs that are succeeding in employing people with disabilities.

Help people with disabilities afford high quality health care.

Look into new solutions to solve the problem of poverty among people with disabilities.



A Better America

With Bob Dole as President, people with disabilities will enjoy the same rights and privileges that all Americans enjoy.

More opportunities. Smaller government. Stronger and safer families

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