MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – 2026 marks 36 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), protecting the rights of people with disabilities in key areas of life.
Passing in 1990, it opened the doors for employment, necessary services, and public accommodations for all. With the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) being the disability network for the entire U.P., the ADA is highly credited for everyone it protects.
On Thursday, SAIL held a community celebration about the anniversary to share these advancements throughout the Upper Peninsula.
“In 36 years, we’ve made some progress but we have a lot of work to do yet,” explained SAIL Executive Director, Julie Shaw. “Anybody could acquire or live with a disability at any point in time, so if we make everything accessible at all times, everyone can participate in life always.”
Each July, SAIL holds the celebration at a key place of inclusion and up-to-date accessibility. Attendees were treated to community information, lunch, and guest speakers about the ADA’s local impacts.
This year’s event took place outside of one of Marquette’s newest accessible playgrounds — Lower Harbor Park’s Kids Cove II — built solely on that premesis of inclusivity.
“This playground is far beyond ADA, everyone is welcomed, the door is open for them,” said Playgrounds for All Committee Member, Barb Coleman.
For SAIL Treasurer Allen Beauchamp, one of the day’s guest speakers, his mark on U.P. athletes living with disabilities has grown for a decade, with his creation of the Sled Hockey U.P. Sled Cats in 2016.
“We have done a lot and SAIL has done a lot,” he said. “Just making a lot of individuals smile to be able to participate in a sport they may never have gotten the chance to.”
For SAIL, the next route is always to continue supporting and growing the ADA’s impact on the Upper Peninsula. More information can be found on SAIL’s website.
