Dear Editors,
In October 2023, Langhorne Borough established a Human Relations Commission to “ensure that all persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, … age, mental or physical disability, enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and the use of public accommodations.”
It is, therefore, heartbreaking and truly outrageous that this week, a member of the Langhorne Borough Council verbally demanded that four girls with disabilities at Woods Services who were using the swings at the Mayor’s Playground leave immediately. The Council member told their caregivers that Woods Services’ clients are not welcome at the playground and should be limited to the playground on Woods’ premises.
The Council member further alleged that the playground may only be used by children who are five and six years of age but could point to no signage on-site or online that contained any stated age limit (since there is none). Woods Services also serves young children, but this person’s shockingly bold assertion that Woods clients aren’t welcome clearly excludes even our youngest children from playing where she has to see them.
The children at Woods Services have a range of intellectual, medical, and behavioral disabilities: Excluding them from using public facilities, such as a playground that is by law open to all, is not only a despicable act but is also against the law.
The Councilwoman’s actions would be shameful under any circumstances, but they are particularly egregious coming from an elected community leader. The individuals served by Woods deserve—and are legally guaranteed—access to the same public places as any other child without having to face hostility and shame.
When Woods’ founder came to Langhorne in 1921, she dedicated her life to fighting the idea that people with disabilities must be hidden away from public sight and forgotten. She fought for dignity and respect for ALL people. How appalled she would be to see that after more than 100 years in the town she loved, there are still people who don’t see those with disabilities human beings deserving of equal access and rights.
Woods has filed a complaint concerning this matter with the newly established Langhorne Borough Human Relations Commission. We hope that they use this opportunity to send a strong message about the Borough’s treatment of people with disabilities.
Sincerely,
The Woods Services Community
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