(WASHINGTON) President Bill Clinton spoke today at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. The President announced that he would sign an Executive Order compelling the Federal Government to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years.

The most moving moment was when Senator Harkin told of his brother Frank's regret that he did not have the civil rights protections of the ADA as he was growing up, but was proud of his brother Tom Harkin's work to ensure those rights for future Americans. Hillary Clinton, who introduced Senator Harkin, told the crowd of Frank's death last month.

"On July 25 1990, Americans with disabilities held the short end of the stick," said Senator Harkin, "but on July 26 they held a powerful weapon."

Harkin continued:

"We have to defend the ADA against attack in the Supreme Court and in the Congress. We must stop the digital divide that separates people with disabilities; we must stop genetic discrimination; we must stop hate crimes [against people with disabilities]; and we must pass MiCASSA now!"

"I love Bill Clinton," said Justin Dart, who Senator Orrin Hatch labeled 'an icon.' "But even if I didn't, his record would command my respect."

Dart, considered to be the "father of the ADA," stated that although "America is the greatest it has ever been, there are still millions of Americans imprisoned in institutions, back rooms and nursing homes."

Justin Dart passed to President Clinton a replica of the "Spirit of the ADA Torch" that has been carried through 20 cities by thousands of citizens this summer. It was clear, however that Dart had also passed to Clinton some of the language the President used in his speech. For example, President Clinton called for "real choices in home and community based supports and services," yet did not specifically mention MiCASSA.