WDOM level the playing field for people with disabilities
Westchester Disabled on the Move (WDOM), a leading organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of individuals with disabilities, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Since its inception in 1984, WDOM has been at the forefront of championing inclusivity, accessibility, and equality for people with disabilities in Westchester County and beyond.
Whether acting as a watchdog on accessibility issues in schools, public transportation and public buildings or creating programs to help people with disabilities maintain their independence, WDOM has been a leader.
“For 40 years, WDOM has given a voice to people with disabilities,” said Maria Samuels, Executive Director of WDOM. “Many of our employees are people with disabilities so we understand what obstacles people face in their normal, day to day lives. We work with them to provide resources and solutions so they can remain independent and live their best lives.”
WDOM is part of a national network of non-residential Independent Living Centers dedicated to independence and equal rights for individuals with disabilities. The programs and services of WDOM are free to consumers with disabilities and their families. WDOM has assisted thousands of clients during its 40 years, providing help applying for healthcare, housing, transportation and other services to keep them out of institutions and in the community.
They have helped people like Marcus Blacknall, 38, who after a tragic motorcycle accident in 2010 was forced to live in a nursing home. Through sheer persistence and the help of WDOM, Blacknall is now living independently, driving, and living on his own and making progress adapting to his physical limitations.
“Westchester Disabled on the Move gave me back my life,” said Blacknall. “I was able to leave the nursing home within a matter of three months.”
Imani Carbin also received help from WDOM which assisted her in finding a safe, stable home for her and her young daughter. “Having them help me obtain an apartment for me and my child was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” said Carbin.
Dionne Meredith-Voltz’s daughter turned to WDOM when her 100-year-old mother was released from the hospital and needed help coordinating services for her return home. “I reached out to Westchester Disabled on the Move and it has been the best thing for myself and my mother that I have done,” said Tina Voltz-Bongar.
In addition to working directly with clients, WDOM advocates for changes in the law and enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities against discrimination and ensures access for people with disabilities.
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, a White Plains Attorney representing WDOM, called WDOM’s lawsuit against rideshare provider LYFT for violations of the ADA “incredibly brave.”
The Class Action Suit brought by WDOM is suing to get Lyft to remove its blocker that keeps riders from being able to order a wheelchair-accessible vehicle anywhere in the United States that Lyft operates.
“Many organizations would back down from a multibillion-dollar company, but WDOMI had the courage to fight back against Lyft’s discrimination. WDOMI has already won some very significant legal victories in this case; we certified the case as a nationwide class action, and, in July, we are taking the case to trial. As proud as I am of WDOMI’s lawsuit against Lyft, WDOMI’s good work extends far beyond one court case. Every day WDOMI makes life better for thousands of people with disabilities.”
Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr said that Westchester Disabled on the Move has worked with government, encouraging it to form advisory councils like one she formed with Maria Samuels that give people with disabilities a voice in helping to advise elected officials on what laws are needed and where funding is needed most.
WDOM was behind the creation of the Disability Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) committee, a board created to advise on the inclusion of People with Disabilities in the county’s emergency preparedness. It is now part of Westchester’s Office of Emergency Management. The agency also pushed for the Yonker’s Mayor’s Disability Advisory Board and the first members were WDOM consumers.
“WDOM’s Executive Director Maria Samuels was instrumental in creating the County’s Council for People with Disabilities, which provides information and advice to the Board of Legislators and the County Executive on behalf of people with disabilities, and I was proud to partner with her on this endeavor. The Council, comprised of many individuals who themselves have disabilities, serves as a voice for people with disabilities by helping to shape laws, identifying gaps in services and advocating for resources/funding to fill those gaps, and creating programs, such as job fairs geared toward people with disabilities, to foster inclusivity and equal access. I congratulate WDOM on their 40th Anniversary, thank them for their hard work, and look forward to our continued partnership,” said Legislator Barr.
Gail Cartenuto Cohn, President Emeritus of the WDOM Board, said that over the years the organization has championed a myriad of causes that has made life a little easier for people with disabilities including fighting for wheelchair accessible seating at movie theaters, accessible school drinking fountains, ATMs for the visually impaired and wheelchair users and access to transportation, polling locations, shopping centers, government buildings and more.
“As WDOM celebrates its 40th year, I am filled with pride as the past Board President,” said Cartenuto Cohn. “I remember the impact WDOM has made on the lives of people with disabilities in Westchester and continues to make through its programs, services and its advocacy. I am mindful that there is more work to be done. I look forward to future achievements as WDOM continues to fight for the rights of people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence. Happy 40th!!”
For more information about Westchester Disabled on the Move and its 40th-anniversary celebrations, please visit https://wdom.org/ or call 914-968-4717.
