Never Give Up

To commemorate the July 26 anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Deputy Chief of Mission David J. Kostelancik had a wonderful time visiting the Nem Adom Fel (Never Give Up) Café & Bar in Budapest last week. The first café in the city founded and run by people with special needs, its amazing staff make and serve a variety of drinks and meals, and also help to organize and execute programs in its District 8 location as well as other spaces throughout the country. DCM Kostelancik enjoyed meeting and talking with the employees, learning about their experience working at the café and gaining greater insight into their everyday lives. An integrated place for cultural events, the space provides opportunities for meaningful connections for everyone. A true example of the phrase “Never Give Up!”

The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. ADA opens doors of opportunity, in education, in the workplace and in many other areas of our national life for millions of persons with disabilities. While much progress has been made, much remains to be done. Our embassy is always happy to work with our wonderful Hungarian contacts as well as civil society organizations to help promote the rights of disabled persons, and work to ensure their inclusion and full participation.