Melwood Hosts Congressional Visit Commemorating Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 25, 2024

Melwood welcomes U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer to celebrate the 34^th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act 

Upper Marlboro, Md. – Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) joined Melwood leaders and employees on Thursday, July 25, to commemorate the 34^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities as it relates to employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, commercial facilities and state and local government services.

Congressmen Hoyer met with Melwood employees who work at the George Washington Carver Center through Melwood’s contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Melwood employees help support the mission of the USDA by providing total facilities management services, including operations and maintenance, groundskeeping, and custodial services.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act has helped pave the way for people with disabilities to fully included—including in the workplace, an epicenter of culture, community, and economic independence—but it is only a start,” said Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of Melwood. “Together we must continue to break down barriers and make advancements that create more employment opportunities and expand services and resources for people with disabilities.”

“When we give people with disabilities the equal treatment and opportunities that they deserve, not only they, but our entire community and country benefit,” Congressman Hoyer said. “That’s why I championed the Americans with Disabilities Act thirty-four years ago and why I helped secure $500,000 in federal funding for Melwood’s Neurodivergent Workforce Initiative through our FY 2023 appropriations. I appreciate the work that Melwood does in our community and for our federal agencies, providing Marylanders with disabilities the opportunity to start and grow their careers. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in every part of American life, including addressing barriers to employment.”

Melwood is a long-time partner to the federal government through the U.S. AbilityOne Program, which uses federal procurement to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities through federal contracts. The federal government receives essential services and in return, people with disabilities maintain access to living wages, good benefits, career development opportunities and more.

About Melwood: Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers – over 900 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 3,000 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides additional youth and community recreational services for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.Melwood.org.