WDOM supporters, the disability community and our elected officials turned out in full force for our Annual Meeting on June 27 at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. The meeting celebrated WDOM’s 40th Anniversary and showcased some of the services that WDOM and others offer to people with disabilities.
News 12 covered the festivities and interviewed our staff and clients for a special report on WDOM’s lawsuit against ride provider Lyft, which began July 8 in U.S. District Court in White Plains and concluded July 12. We are awaiting Judge Philip Halpern’s decision.
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, WDOM’s attorney, and Harriet Lowell, a co-plaintiff in the case, spoke about the seven years it has taken this case to wend its way through the courts. Disability Advocate Donna Drumm chronicled the first day in the courtroom for those who could not attend. In all 250 people testified in the class action lawsuit that, if successful, will allow people in wheelchairs to order rides through the Lyft App in all jurisdictions, not just in nine areas in the US it currently serves wheelchair riders. Click here to read Donna Drumm’s account.
Also speaking at the event was Marcus Blacknall, who after a tragic motorcycle accident in 2010 was forced to live in a nursing home but was able to return to independent living thanks to WDOM’s help.
WDOM thanks all our elected officials Assemblyman Chris Burdick and County Legislators Nancy Barr and Terry Clements and Judah Holstein; Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz and Director of the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities Evan Latainer and many others for attending and supporting people with disabilities. Also, thanks to Scarsdale High School students for providing the musical entertainment. A special shout out to Liberty Lines, who sponsored the event and has been a long-time supporter.
