Selma Blair Joins President Biden to Commemorate Americans with Disabilities Act

Hollywood actor and disability rights advocate Selma Blair joined President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House, celebrating the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Blair, renowned for her roles in popular films such as “Legally Blonde” and “Cruel Intentions,” displayed her trademark comedic timing during the event.

Blair, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, walked alongside President Biden to the ceremony, accompanied by her service dog, Scout, an English Labrador. Upon reaching the stage, Blair gave Scout commands, displaying their close bond. When President Biden attempted to pet Scout, Blair humorously directed him to refrain, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Amid the lighthearted moment, Blair acknowledged her advocacy work and proudly identified herself as “a proud disabled woman.” She has become a prominent figure in the disability rights movement in recent years, even participating in Season 31 of “Dancing with the Stars” before focusing on her health.

Addressing the audience of advocates, Blair shared her journey to diagnosis, stating, “Although I’d had symptoms since the age of 7, it took a lifetime of self-advocacy to finally lead me to a diagnosis at age 46, after living most of my life in pain and self-doubt.”

Blair also paid tribute to Judy Heumann, a revered activist who played a pivotal role in securing the rights of disabled individuals and passed away in March at the age of 75. She credited Heumann with teaching her self-worth and stressed the importance of continuing the pursuit of equity for disabled individuals.

President Biden echoed Blair’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of these legislative acts. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination based on disability in federal agency programs, while the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 safeguards against discrimination across various aspects of life, including employment, parking, and voting.

President Biden emphasized that both laws enjoyed bipartisan support when passing through Congress and underscored their role in promoting inclusivity, respect, and dignity for disabled individuals. He concluded by affirming that the American dream should be accessible to all citizens, reaffirming the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

The event was particularly timely as October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, further emphasizing the significance of these laws in advancing the rights and opportunities of disabled Americans.