The Medal of Freedom
Citation for Justin Dart, Jr.

      "The purpose of human society," Justin Dart has said, "is to empower every individual to live life to his or her God-given potential." He has made that purpose his own. 

      Since contracting polio as a young man, he has worked for the independence, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities. 

      A leading architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a driving force behind its passage, he has had a profound impact on the public policy of this Nation. 

      Justin Dart has earned our thanks for helping us recognize the possibility within each individual and for tenaciously advocating equal access to the American Dream for all our people.