WDOM LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Leading advocates for people with disabilities celebrated the 40th anniversary of Westchester Disabled on the Move (WDOM), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of individuals with disabilities on June 27. 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 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 health care, housing, transportation and other services to keep them out of institutions and in the community. 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.
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.