Remembering Justin Dart

Justin Dart 

Memorial Service and Celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Twenty years ago today was the public memorial service for the "Father of the ADA," Justin Dart. This piece was in the MCIL Journal archives.

By Tim Wheat, MCIL

(WASHINGTON DC July 26, 2002) A memorial and celebration of the life of Justin Dart was held today on the twelfth anniversary of the singing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. 

“Justin Dart was truly the father of the ADA and a great humanitarian,” said Dick Thornburgh the former US Attorney General and a featured speaker at the memorial, “but most of all, he was our friend.” 

The service was held at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC and drew dignitaries and grassroots civil rights activists from around the world. The church was filled with signs from the Disability Rights movement and memento’s of Justin’s life. 

“Hillary and I were just nuts about Justin,” said President Bill Clinton. “He stood by anybody big or small that he thought was the victim of arbitrary discrimination . . . I was profoundly honored to give him the Medal of Freedom.” 

The highlight of the service was the reading of Justin Dart’s final message. His granddaughter, who Marca Bristo reported was the “light of his life,” read the powerful final communication of Justin. 

“Justin Dart always identified himself as an ADAPT member. He believed in direct action,” said Bob Kafka the national organizer for ADAPT. “Justin, we will free the two million people in institutions, we will free our people.” 

Much of the tribute was directed at Yoshiko Dart who had a long and special relationship to Justin. She and members of the Dart family sang the song “Sakura,” a song in Japanese. 

“I will remember the boots, I will remember the hat, but most of all Yoshiko,” said Ralph Neas of People for the American Way, “I will remember you (and Justin) side by side.” 

“He loved with premeditated passion,” said Joe Washington for the Dart family. 

Following the Memorial Service there was a celebration at Union Station that featured music by the Dart family. Hundreds of people came to the gala where Senator Tom Harkin made a toast to Justin Dart. 

“In the 16 years I knew Justin he never talked about yesterday,” said Sen. Harkin. “Justin Dart’s tomorrow is MiCASSA ... Here is to Justin Dart’s tomorrow.” 

Washington, DC