Mr. Justin Dart, Jr.

Justin Dart, Jr. was a major force behind the Americans with Disabilities Act. His involvement in civil rights dated back to his student days at the University of Houston, where he earned both a bachelor's and master's degree. Between 1956 and 1965, he built successful companies in Mexico and Japan and used them to advance employment of women and the disabled. After returning to the U.S. in 1974, he headed the Rehabilitation Services Administration and served on several prominent committees, including the National Council on Disability. In 1998, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his dedication to equal rights for all.