NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME
. 1730 K Street. N.W.. Suite 815
Washington. D.C. 20006
(202) 254-5125 [FAX] 254-3060

September 6, 1989 For more information
For Immediate Release contact Carlton Lee

time Eo snark, MED. ( 202 ) 254-5125

CHAIRMAN

VIEMBERS
Mane Ahrens

vom Allen STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Hon. Duk Cheney

Harton L. Dutton. Esa. We, the Members of the National Commission on
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) strongly
‘fom Eawarad Derwunas support passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
legislation which would implement the key recommendation
“sunt §. (jakiman. kes of the Presidential Commission on the Human Immuno-
deficiency Virus Epidemic.

sauce tar AES SEP HL

Qion CO. Destarianw. Ph.D.

Larry Kesler People living with AIDS and HIV infection, and those

regarded as such, deserve the same discrimination
protections as all people with disabilities. Such
e’ protections from discrimination are not only necessary

Charles Konteshere, M.D... MPH.

Yc kere wb to enhance the quality of life for people with AIDS and
ee EI HIV infection, they are -- as the Presidential Report and
the Institute of Medicine have reported -- the linchpin
Mun. Lown We Sullivan. M.D. of our nation’s efforts to control the HIV epidemic.

' 4. Rov Rowland. M.D.

Thousands of Americans who should seek voluntary
counseling and testing services and many who need life-
prolonging medical treatment will not come forward if
Staureen ities they believe that doing so could result in the loss of

their job or lack of access to public accommodations.
Legislation that is based not only on compassion but
sound public health principles is a must if we are to
reach and assist these individuals.

“NECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We are extremely pleased that the majority of the
United States Senate and the White House have made a
bipartisan commitment to enact the Americans with
Disabilities Act. We oppose any efforts to reduce the ~
scope of coverage of the present bill, particularily with
respect to HIV, the specific focus of this commission.
The ADA will provide a clear and comprehensive mandate
to greatly extend discrimination protections for people

with disabilities. We are proud to endorse this landmark
legislation.