Photo credit – Cait Crudden
Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO), a leading organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, celebrated the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with their annual picnic in Medford. The event brought together local vendors, law enforcement, community members, and political leaders, highlighting a day of celebration, inclusion, and community engagement.
Held at SILO’s Medford headquarters, the picnic was open to the entire community and featured a variety of activities and attractions. Local vendors provided food like Jersey Mike’s subs and goods, creating a festive atmosphere where attendees could enjoy a day of fun and fellowship. Law enforcement officers participated in the event, engaging with the community and demonstrating their support for disability rights and inclusion.
SILO’s CEO- Joseph Delgado remarked, “The purpose of the event is to bring recognition to the ADA Act which is civil right laws to protect people with disabilities, but we still have a long way to go. This society is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, and we will not stop until we have universal accessibility for everyone”.
Elected officials from Suffolk County and the Medford area also attended the event, underscoring the importance of the ADA and the continued efforts to ensure accessibility and equality for all individuals with disabilities. Those in attendance included, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk County Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), New York State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), New York State Assemblymen Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), and Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), and Brookhaven Town Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Their presence highlighted the ongoing commitment to upholding the rights enshrined in the ADA and the vital role of organizations like SILO in advocating for these rights.
SILO offers a wide range of services aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities to live full and independent lives. These services include advocacy, information and referral, formal and peer counseling, independent living skills training, and community education. SILO works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the resources and support they need to participate fully in all aspects of life. Laurie Delgado- Chief Community Engagement Officer stated of the work, “It is so rewarding for everyone”.
The annual picnic is not only a celebration of the ADA but also an opportunity for SILO to showcase its programs and services. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the ways in which SILO supports them in overcoming these challenges.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush (R-TX) on July 26, 1990, is a landmark civil rights law 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 public. The ADA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stated that “It’s a great day because it’s a day many, many years ago, when President George H.W. Bush enacted the disability act to ensure disable people can live their best life and contribute to society”.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy remarked about SILO stating, “SILO is one of the most effective organizations that Suffolk County supports. It serves its clients, sees the needs of its population and deals appropriately with developing strategies to get the job done! In the next few months, they will be opening a cost-effective counseling center to serve the psychiatric needs of Suffolk’s residents. I am thankful that SILO continues to serve”.
The ADA is divided into five titles: employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions. Each title addresses different aspects of discrimination and accessibility, providing a comprehensive framework for protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The thirty-fourth anniversary of the ADA is a significant milestone, reflecting on the progress made since its enactment while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to fully realize its goals. Events like SILO’s annual picnic are essential in celebrating the achievements made under the ADA and reinforcing the importance of continuing advocacy and support for disability rights.
Legislator Dominick Thorne echoed his support for the disabled community stating, “Suffolk County is the only county in New York State to require a person with disabilities be on our planning committee. I am committed to make no decisions about you, without you”.
The turnout at SILO’s annual picnic was a testament to the strong sense of community and solidarity in Medford. Attendees, including people with disabilities, their families, and supporters, celebrated not just the anniversary of the ADA but also the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: the ADA has made a profound impact, but the journey towards full inclusion and equality continues. SILO’s annual picnic served as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and celebrating the rich diversity they bring to the community.
Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO) is located at 3253 Route 112, Building 10, Medford.
