Scotch Plains Council Marks ADA, Disability Voting Rights, and Ovarian Cancer Awareness

The Scotch Plains Township Council took three official actions at its September 15, 2026 meeting, issuing proclamations that recognize the Americans with Disabilities Act, commemorate Disability Voting Rights Week, and designate September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Americans with Disabilities Act Recognition

The council's proclamation honored the landmark federal civil rights law signed by President George H.W. Bush in July 1990. Over three decades later, the township acknowledged progress made in removing structural and social barriers for people with disabilities while emphasizing the need for continued efforts to achieve full ADA compliance in public facilities and services.

Dr. Jackie Jackson, a disability rights advocate, accepted the ADA and Disability Voting Rights proclamations on behalf of the community. Dr. Jackson travels nationally—to Capitol Hill and to group homes and nursing facilities—to increase civic participation among people with disabilities.

Speaking directly to the council, Dr. Jackson stated: "People with disabilities are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal opportunity, equal access, and inclusion."

Disability Voting Rights Week

The council's second proclamation recognized Disability Voting Rights Week, which runs September 14-18. The observance is connected to the REV UP campaign—Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power—which works to increase civic engagement among the nation's estimated 40.2 million eligible voters with disabilities.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

The council's third action designated September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, citing important health statistics and the need for public awareness.

According to national 2026 projections, approximately 21,010 new ovarian cancer cases are expected, with approximately 12,450 deaths from the disease. In New Jersey, projections for 2026 stand at approximately 650 new cases and approximately 340 deaths. Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among American women.

A critical factor in ovarian cancer survival is early diagnosis. Nearly 85 percent of cases are diagnosed at Stage III or later, at which point the five-year survival rate falls below 30 percent. By contrast, the five-year survival rate for cases diagnosed at Stage I exceeds 90 percent. Unlike breast and cervical cancer, ovarian cancer lacks a standard screening test comparable to a mammogram or Pap smear for women at average risk. Additionally, symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize, contributing to late-stage diagnoses.

Mayor Josh Losardo thanked Rachel Sackett, an ovarian cancer survivor, for her role in educating the public about the importance of early recognition and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Community Participation

Scotch Plains is encouraging residents to learn about potential symptoms of ovarian cancer, support those affected by the disease, and raise awareness about the need for continued research and improved treatment options. Teal is the awareness color for ovarian cancer. Residents can participate in the observance by wearing teal and discussing the disease with family members, friends, and healthcare providers.

The council meeting on September 15 is available to view online for residents who wish to watch the proceedings directly.

FAQ

Q: What three proclamations did the Scotch Plains Council issue on September 15?

A: The council issued proclamations recognizing the Americans with Disabilities Act, commemorating Disability Voting Rights Week (Sept. 14-18), and designating September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Q: What is the Americans with Disabilities Act and why did the council recognize it?

A: The ADA is a landmark federal civil rights law signed in July 1990. The council recognized progress made over the past three decades in removing structural and social barriers for people with disabilities, while emphasizing the continued need for full ADA compliance in public facilities and services.

Q: What is Disability Voting Rights Week and the REV UP campaign?

A: Disability Voting Rights Week (Sept. 14-18) is connected to the REV UP campaign—Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power—which works to increase civic engagement among the nation's estimated 40.2 million eligible voters with disabilities.

Q: Who is Dr. Jackie Jackson and what did she say to the council?

A: Dr. Jackie Jackson is a disability rights advocate who travels nationally to increase civic participation among people with disabilities. She told the council: "People with disabilities are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal opportunity, equal access, and inclusion."

Q: What are the national statistics for ovarian cancer in 2026?

A: The 2026 projections include approximately 21,010 new ovarian cancer cases and approximately 12,450 deaths nationwide. In New Jersey, projections are approximately 650 new cases and approximately 340 deaths.

Q: Why is early detection of ovarian cancer important?

A: Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Nearly 85% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at Stage III or later, when five-year survival falls below 30%. In contrast, Stage I diagnosis has a five-year survival rate above 90%.

Q: Why is ovarian cancer often diagnosed late?

A: Unlike breast and cervical cancer, ovarian cancer lacks a standard screening test like a mammogram or Pap smear for women at average risk. Additionally, symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize, which contributes to late-stage diagnoses.

Q: How can residents participate in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?

A: Residents can wear teal (the awareness color for ovarian cancer), discuss symptoms with family members and healthcare providers, and raise awareness about the disease and the need for continued research and improved treatment options.

Q: Where can I watch the council meeting?

A: The September 15 council meeting is available to view online. You can find the link through the Scotch Plains municipal website or government office.