Des Moines Register (07/26/12) William Petroski

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) is working with companies, government, and nonprofit organizations to add one million disabled individuals—a 20% increase—to the work force by 2015. “The business community has shown many examples that employing people with disabilities is not an act of charity,” Harkin says. “It is actually good for your bottom line and companies are showing that with modest accommodations people with disabilities can be highly productive and may be in some cases more productive than their nondisabled peers.” Harkin spoke on July 26, the 22nd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which is considered his signature legislative achievement during his 28 years as a U.S. senator.