We were very excited at Jenna Bainbridge’s appearance as part of our educational program in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Westchester County and the Westchester County Board of Elections. Jenna’s presentation was moving and underscored the need for us to make our voices heard if we are to further our mission of accessibility and equal representation.
At 16 months, Jenna broke her spine and became partially paralyzed from the waist down. In 2024 she became the first wheelchair user to perform in a new musical on Broadway when she made her debut in Suffs, which won the 2024 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Music.
More than 50 people who attended the event also received a demonstration from The Westchester County Board of Elections on voting machines designed to serve those with hearing, sight, and other disabilities that prevent them from using regular voting machines.
Susan Schwarz, a director of the Executive Committee of the League of Women Voters of Westchester County, said, “The League of Women Voters actively supports the rights of all to participate in public life through education, activism, and litigation and is especially pleased to support WDOM’s outreach during this election season.”
Thanks to all those who attended including Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins; NYS Senator Shelly Mayer, NYS Assemblyman Chris Burdick; White Plains Councilman Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Westchester Board of Election Commissioner Tajian Nelson and Acting Deputy Commissioner Debbie Gerace.
And special thanks to Jenna Bainbridge.
As part of our REV Up partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities, Westchester Disabled on the Move also invited Congressional candidates in the 16th Congressional District to discuss accessibility in housing, transportation, and voting among other issues facing people with disabilities.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Dr. Miriam Levitt Flisser, a Scarsdale pediatrician, participated in a virtual forum on October 25. Democrat George Latimer was elected on November 5.
“It’s important for people with disabilities to have all the information they need about registering to vote and the voting process in 2024,” said Samuels. “We want them to feel empowered to vote, so that they can support political candidates who will best represent them.’’
If you missed the program, you can view it HERE.