The theme of inclusion was sounded by champions of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Sunday's 25th anniversary of the law.
During that quarter century, many barriers have been removed for people with disabilities, but work remains to be done.
The law was signed on July 26, 1990, by then-President George H.W. Bush. His signature followed passage in the Senate by a 76-8 vote and unanimous approval in the House.
Despite that support, the proposal encountered objections from some lawmakers concerned about the costs of adapting facilities to accommodate disabled people.
Today, the ADA helps an estimated 55 million Americans in five key categories: employment, state and local government facilities and services, public accommodations, telecommunications and transportation.
In signing the legislation, Bush said: "Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down."
In connection with Sunday's anniversary, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said: "This anniversary is an opportunity both for reflection and renewal. ... The nation is strongest when we field a full team, when we embrace the contributions of every one of our people."
And Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon observed: "We have come a long way in the past 25 years ... to take down barriers, physical and otherwise, that hindered individuals with disabilities from having an equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream."
The governor added, however, "There is still more work to be done ...
Fred Maahs, a past chairman of the American Association of People with Disabilities, elaborated on the work that remains when he said: "The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is outrageous. And a law isn't going to change those attitudinal barriers."
Statistics support his observation. In the U.S., 17.1 percent of people with disabilities were employed in 2014, compared with 64.6 percent of people without disabilities.
In its 25 years, the ADA has done much to promote inclusion so our nation can "field a full team."
That process must continue, with a concerted effort to change the "attitudinal barriers" that continue to obstruct progress.