Good morning.
Ibu Heni and Michael Allen of United Cerebral Palsy, Sri Lestari, diplomatic colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Let me begin by congratulating Sri Lestari for her extraordinary accomplishment. She has shown remarkable strength, resilience and determination.
She is inspiration to the rest of us. Sri is a leader and a role model for all of us in how to live life without limits.
Let me also congratulate United Cerebral Palsy for its important work around the world to help people with disabilities live more independent and productive lives.
USAID is pleased to support the United Cerebral Palsy Wheels for Humanity program.
As President Obama has made clear, when we promote the rights of people with disabilities, we are also promoting civil rights.
Indeed the U.S. has strongly promoted the rights of people with disabilities through landmark laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities is also part of our foreign policy. We have a Special Advisor for International Disability Rights who works in the State Department on this important goal.
So let me again congratulate Sri Lestari for her accomplishments, the powerful example she sets, and the hope she embodies for a life without limits.
Thank you.
