Paralyzed Veterans Of America Issues Statement On The Passing Of Former President George H.W. Bush

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America issued the following statement today in response to the passing of former United States President George H.W. Bush. He led an honorable and distinguished life, from serving in World War II as one of the youngest naval aviators, to becoming the director of the CIA, and then fulfilling the role of vice president of the United States under former President Ronald Reagan. George H.W. Bush was elected as the 41st President of the United States in 1988.

"Former President George H.W. Bush served his country proudly, and 28 years ago he changed the face of America by signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, which became the world's first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities," said David Zurfluh, a disabled Air Force veteran, and national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "He signed one of the most extensive pieces of civil rights legislation. With the stroke of a pen, former President George H.W. Bush said 'let the shameful wall of exclusion, finally come tumbling down.'"

For the 61 million Americans with disabilities, 5.3 million of them veterans, the ADA has changed the views of disability, ensuring all Americans receive equal opportunity, independent living, self-sufficiency and respect.

"We join our fellow veterans in saluting former President George H.W. Bush and thank him for his honorable and distinguished service to our great country," said Zurfluh. "His signing of the ADA empowered all people with disabilities, and we owe him a debt of gratitude."

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, the organization has ensured that veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Learn more at pva.org.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America