It was one of those nights that reminded any one in attendance or watching at home why West Hollywood not only feels like a true community, but is hands down one of the best to call home.
Inside City Council Chambers, neighbors, city leaders, and advocates came together for the 27th Annual Disability Service Awards, a night filled with gratitude, humor, emotions and yes, even some tears (by this guy). The ceremony, hosted by the Disabilities Advisory Board, honored residents and organizations who’ve made life in WeHo a little more inclusive and a lot more connected.
Mayor Chelsea Byers, Vice Mayor John Heilman, and Councilmember Danny Hang were on hand to present awards and share in the celebration. Councilmember Lauren Meister, who we learned is recovering from a “tear” in her retina, sent a special message saying “she understands what it’s like to have impaired vision and why it’s so important to have the work the DAB does to advocate for our disabled community.”
This year’s honorees represented some of the best of WeHo.
Stephen David Simon and Adrienne Omansky, were honored and remembered with the Lovedy Brydon Differently Abled Individual Award for years of advocacy and leadership.
The Vance North Necessities of Life Program (NOLP) at APLA Health, recipient of the Nonprofit Award for providing essential resources to residents living with HIV and other health challenges.
- WeHo Online, recognized with the Media Award for highlighting accessibility, inclusion, and local voices.
Longtime resident and disability advocate Mikie Friedman spoke about her “soul sister” Adrienne Omansky. She shared how meeting Adrienne wasn’t an accident “it was fate” and thanks to her support and guidance Mikie found her calling as a teacher.
Stephen David Simon gave a moving speech and reminded us “even 35 years after passing the ADA we’re facing some of the greatest challenges to our rights.”
Jeff Bailey accepted on behalf of APLA Health and acknowledged not only their staff but the hundreds of invaluable volunteers who help to provide more than 1.2 million meals a year.
And finally, accepting on behalf of WEHOOnline, publisher Larry Block — who is vision impaired and a former chair of the Disabilities Advisory Board — shared his gratitude and reminded us “people with disabilities are the foundation of this city.” He also thanked the community’s allies for showing up each day, saying “this honor is shared with you” and reaffirmed WEHOOnline’s commitment to supporting the voices and issues facing the disabled community.
Each honoree’s story reminds us that accessibility isn’t an abstract policy, it’s a daily effort to ensure all of our residents don’t just feel seen but are seen, respected and know their voices matter.
Mayor Byers called it “a very special night” and noted how it exemplifies West Hollywood’s “enduring commitment to access, inclusion, and equity for all.” She highlighted there are street banners along Santa Monica Boulevard honoring past award recipients, a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a value in West Hollywood, it’s a tradition.
The Disabilities Advisory Board, created in 1995, has spent nearly three decades advising the City Council on everything from ADA compliance and transportation to housing and access to public services. The board’s work often happens quietly, but nights like this put it in the spotlight.
Throughout October, the city has been celebrating Disability Awareness Month, with events like the Health and Wellness Fair at Plummer Park in partnership with Cedars-Sinai.
In addition to the good vibes and celebrations, it was also noted there is still work to be done. Residents Stephanie Harker and Cathy Blavis each spoke during public comments and underscored the outstanding need for the city to meaningfully address the regulation if not removal of scooters, bikes and now delivery robots cluttering our sidewalks – making mobility issues not only more challenging, but potentially “deadly.”
This wasn’t just another city event. It was West Hollywood being West Hollywood: a community that shows up, celebrates one another, and keeps finding ways to make sure no one is left out.
Watch the entire event below. Remember, if you wanna catch up on any city meetings or events you can always find most of them on WeHoTV’s YouTube Channel here.
What phony baloney! There is a tree that blocks the sidewalk between the Whole Foods exit on Fairfax and the bus stop just south of it. City owns it. If you walk straight or limp straight, your face will hit it unless you walk onto the gravel. That sidewalk, is disgusting and needs to be power washed. Between scooters and rentable e-bikes and vegetation blocking sidewalks, this town in good conscience can’t say that they are helping anybody with disabilities get around town. This is the same town that closed the sidewalk on northside of Sunset for 3 years for… Read more »