Federal law prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals

I read a recent article in the News Transcript with great interest and even greater concern. The article was regarding the move of three men with disabilities to a new address in Freehold Borough.

It seems as though many taxpaying members of the community were concerned enough over the (perceived) potential devaluation of their properties to hold a town meeting. During this meeting the good members of the community thought it appropriate to discuss whether these men should be permitted to move into their neighborhood.

Before even mentioning the moral and ethical implications of this course of action, I would like to apprise the residents of Freehold Borough of the civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from this type of backward thinking: Section 302 (b) E of the Americans with Disabilities Act states, "It shall be discriminatory to exclude or otherwise deny equal goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, accommodations or other opportunities to an individual or entity because of the known disability of an individual."

I would like to ask the residents of Crestwood Drive in Freehold Borough to take a step back and think about the lessons you are teaching your children.

It doesn’t matter if your children attend weekly religious services, are enrolled in a religious education program or are involved in community service projects – the lessons they learn from you through your words and your actions will last a lifetime.

What are they learning when they see you create an uproar over the potential devaluation of your property as you devalue human beings? I urge you to ring the doorbell of your new neighbors, invite them over for a cup of coffee and get to know them as I hope you would do with any newcomer to your neighborhood.

I am the parent of a child with a disability who will one day be in need of a supported living arrangement. When that time comes, I hope that your children will welcome my child into the neighborhood.

Judy Livny

Manalapan