Westchester Disabled On the Move to Honor Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr

Yonkers – July 2, 2025 – Westchester Disabled On the Move (WDOM), a leading advocate for people with disabilities, will honor Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr, among other supporters, at its annual celebration at Rye Town Park on July 10.

Dozens of people with disabilities, advocates, and others are expected to attend the event held each year to celebrate the work of organizations that support the disabled community and to highlight the accomplishments of WDOM.

“Nancy Barr has been an incredible advocate for people with disabilities and has helped WDOM obtain funding to allow us to continue our work, making sure that people, no matter what obstacles they face, can lead independent lives in their home communities,’’ said Maria Samuels, Executive Director of Westchester Disabled On the Move. “We are excited to be able to recognize Nancy, as well as some of our most loyal supporters at our Annual Meeting.’’

Legislator Barr was integral in helping WDOM get a $64,000 county grant to fund its Fair Housing and My Home, not Nursing Home programs that help people with disabilities stay out of nursing homes and live in the community. She was instrumental in formalizing the County's Advisory Board for People with Disabilities and she spearheaded the County's first celebration in honor of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will be held again this year on July 24th.

"I believe it is a fundamental principle of government that all members of society deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This process begins with recognition, and it has been a priority for me as a Legislator to make sure that all members of the community have an opportunity to be seen and heard." says Barr.

Legislator Barr represents Port Chester, Rye Brook and Harrison. She currently chairs the Human Services Committee, co-chairs the Board’s Families Task Force, and serves as Vice Chair of the Budget & Appropriations and Public Works & Transportation Committees.

Also being honored at the event are:

COMMUNITY SERVICE SOCIETY (CSS)

Corporate Ally Award

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is being presented with the Corporate Ally Award for its advocacy and funding to support programs for people with disabilities. CSS has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state.

MARCUS BLACKNALL

Voice for Inclusion Award

Blacknall is being honored for his persistence in overcoming the odds to succeed and setting an example for others with disabilities that anything is possible.

After a tragic motorcycle accident in 2010, Blacknall was forced to live in a nursing home. Through sheer persistence and with the help of WDOM’s My Home, Not Nursing Home program Blacknall is now living independently, driving, and making progress adapting to his physical limitations.

GAIL CARTENUTO COHN

Board Member Excellence Award

Cartenuto Cohn is President Emeritus/Board Advisor to Westchester Disabled On the Move
and had served on the board for more than 30 years. She is a Licensed Special
Education Teacher and Licensed Speech & Language Pathologist. As a person
with Cerebral Palsy, Gail has brought her personal experience to her long-time
advocacy for people with disabilities.

For more information about Westchester Disabled on the Move and its Annual celebration
on July 10, please visit https://wdom.org/ or call 914-968-4717.

About WDOM

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 healthcare, housing, transportation and other services to
keep them out of institutions and in the community. 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.