To the editor:

At the Pelham Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA), we believe that inclusion is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. We are committed to advocating for accessibility, equity and meaningful participation for all students and community members, regardless of ability. Our mission is to foster an environment where every individual, whether they have a disability, learning difference or unique need, is valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential in their local neighborhood school within their own community in their most familiar and least restrictive environment.

As future planning options for Siwanoy Elementary School have been discussed recently, there have been public comments made about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). SEPTA wanted to take an opportunity to clarify the meaning of ADA and our commitment to our students and community, as we have a unique opportunity to update a building to be a welcoming place for people of all abilities.

The ADA, signed into law in 1990, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. The ADA was born out of the disability rights movement and built on earlier legislation, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to ensure equal opportunities and full participation for people with disabilities. It established comprehensive accessibility standards for employment, education, transportation, government programs, and public and private spaces. The ADA has played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive society by requiring reasonable accommodations and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The ADA is not a special education law, nor does it provide direct funding, services or individualized educational accommodations like an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as required under the IDEA. Instead, the ADA mandates accessibility, protects individuals from discrimination and ensures that public and private entities provide reasonable accommodations so that people with disabilities can fully engage in everyday life. While IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act focus specifically on educational accommodations, the ADA works in tandem with these laws to ensure broader accessibility in schools, workplaces and public spaces.

Additionally, the ADA does not automatically cover temporary conditions, such as a broken leg, unless the injury results in a substantial limitation of a major life activity. A broken leg or other temporary injury may not be considered a disability under the ADA if it is expected to heal fully within a short period (e.g., weeks or a few months) and does not cause long-term impairments. The ADA is primarily designed to protect individuals with chronic or long-term physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities such as walking, seeing, hearing or working.

Through education, advocacy and collaboration, Pelham SEPTA works to create a school system and community that embrace diversity and ensure that all children and families have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We stand firm in our commitment to breaking down barriers, raising awareness and building a more inclusive future for everyone.

Amanda Paolercio

448 First Ave.