Ihave a deep interest in disability civil rights.<br>Over the past few years | have worked with many<br>national and local organizations run by and for<br>disabled people, including the National Council<br>on Independent Living, the National Council on<br>the Handicapped, Capitol People First of<br>Sacramento and the Association on<br>Handicapped Student Service Programs in Post-<br>Secondary Education. | have also had many<br>conversations with disabled leaders, including<br>deaf persons, throughout the United States. And<br>my office has served as the focal point for the<br>development of the Administration's disability<br>policy.<br><br>From this experience, | have become aware of<br>the two basic principles underlying the disability<br>tights movement; the right of disabled people to<br>control their own lives and the right to<br>integration and involvement in society.<br><br>Gallaudet University has a critical role to play in<br>advancing these principles. Itis held in the<br>highest regard by deaf people throughout the<br>United States and the world. It provides an<br>excellent education and a meaningful future for<br>thousands of deaf persons. More importantly,<br>Gallaudet University is a symbol of leadership<br>and opportunity, not only for deaf people, but for<br>all of us.<br>