Westchester County honored three local disability advocates at Playland Park on Wednesday, a ceremony that carried extra weight coming just one day after Scarsdale's Village Board paid tribute to Marian Green, the longtime chair of the village's Advisory Council on People with Disabilities, who was killed in her Fox Meadow home earlier this month.

The ceremony at the Music Tower Stage marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride Month, timed to coincide with the county's annual Day at Playland for People with Disabilities — a day offering free unlimited rides for attendees with disabilities, their families and caregivers. The 2024 edition drew more than 7,500 people. County Legislator Nancy Barr, who represents Scarsdale, said pairing the two events means families don't have to choose between them.

Three honorees were recognized: the Hearing Loss Association of America's Westchester Chapter, a nonprofit founded in 1983 with nearly 100 members; Jody Prysock, a certified sign language interpreter advocating for healthcare accessibility; and Summit Health WestMed Medical Group, a multispecialty practice with 13 offices across Westchester and Fairfield counties.

"We stand on such things as the shoulders, wheelchairs, brains, and lived experiences — both hard and easy — of those who came before us, and the innovations and legislation their advocacy continues to bring," said Jeffrey Zitofsky, program director for the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities.

The county also recognized the lasting contributions of Green and fellow advocate Liz Mark. Green, 71, chaired Scarsdale's disability council for more than a decade and previously led the C.H.I.L.D. committee, supporting families of students with learning differences. She spent years pushing for accessible sidewalks, adequate accessible parking, inclusive programming, and a library meeting ADA standards.

"Her voice helped shape the sidewalks we are rebuilding, contributed to the thinking behind the library's accessibility improvements, and leaves behind a stronger culture of advocacy on our Council on People with Disabilities," Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said at Tuesday's Village Board meeting.

County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted ongoing accessibility efforts, including the Blue Envelope Program, launched in 2025 to help drivers with autism or communication challenges interact more smoothly with law enforcement by storing key documents in a recognizable blue envelope. The county also runs a Disability Awareness Program open to all school districts and summer camps, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at Westchester County Airport for travelers with invisible disabilities.

Residents seeking disability services can contact the Office for People with Disabilities at 914-995-2956.