New disability rights require organizational change and leadership

On July 26, 1990, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation has been referred to as the "emancipation proclamation for the disabled" because of its great importance to persons with disabilities in our society. The ADA will not be implemented in a substantive way, however, without truly transformative leadership. Because of their traditional role in this area, health care professionals are in a unique position to provide that leadership and to help effect the necessary organizational changes. Passage of the ADA is only the beginning; the true test of its success will be in its implementation.