A long road traveled, more to go

BY LINDA SMITH HANCHARICK
WEST MILFORD — Sunday marks a memorable anniversary. It was 25 years ago, on July 26, 1990, that then-President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the nation's first comprehensive civil rights law addressing people with disabilities.

Last week, the township of West Milford marked that anniversary with a proclamation celebrating the landmark legislation and recommitting its efforts to implement it fully.

Mayor Bettina Bieri presented a proclamation to Janice Sangle and Janet Laycox, both women who live with multiple sclerosis and who are active advocates for the disabled.

Sangle, who was diagnosed with MS in 1992, called the ADA law “our backbone.”

“The ADA is the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities,” said Sangle last week at the township council meeting. “It’s our backbone that we can rely on.”

She said everyone, including the township, must pledge to recommit to full implementation of ADA. And as a person with a disability, it is up to her to let others know what’s needed.

“As a person with a disability, it’s up to me and others with disabilities to speak our minds and let our needs be known,” she said. “People aren't mind readers.”

The whole idea behind the ADA is independence and inclusion, she added. To achieve that, those with disabilities must let it be known what will make a difference in their lives.

For example, people in general don’t know if the aisles of a store are too small for a wheelchair unless they are in a wheelchair, Sangle said. They may not be aware that clothing store dressing rooms aren’t accessible or that plowing snow into the handicap parking space will cause an issue.

“It’s nice to put it in writing and direct them to websites that can help,” said Sangle.

Sangle got involved with advocacy in 1995.

“I got involved because of my disability,” she said. “I needed access.”

A lot has changed over the past 25 years, she admits. Ramps have been installed in many places and push-button doors are making it easier for those who cannot lift the weight of a door to open it. But more needs to be done, and that includes education.

“Compared to the way things were before, things are better,” said Sangle. “We must pass on the knowledge of the ADA.”