Board Hosts First Mock Legislature for Young Adults with Disabilities
The Westchester County Board of Legislators today hosted 13 young adults with developmental disabilities for its first mock legislative session designed specifically for them. Participants had the opportunity to debate and vote on public policy in a real-world setting.
The session, held in the Board’s legislative chamber, featured participants from the Aspiring LeaDDers program, a 10-month collaboration between Volunteer New York!’s RISE program and the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). RISE (Readiness thru Integrated Service Engagement) helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build leadership skills by strengthening self-confidence, fostering relationships, and empowering participants to find their voices. RISE connects program members to community volunteer opportunities.
Participants took on the role of county legislators, debating and voting on a simulated resolution to establish an annual Disability Employment Awareness Week, including a county-led conference to address employment barriers. Speaking from personal experience, they led a thoughtful and engaged discussion from the chamber floor.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) opened the session and welcomed participants. He said, “We are proud to welcome these young adults to the legislative chamber. Programs like Aspiring LeaDDers give participants the chance to step into leadership roles, engage in meaningful discussion, and see firsthand how county government works. Their voices matter, and today they are showing the value they bring to our community.”
Colleen Victory, a Board staff member hired through The Arc Westchester, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities, participated in the public comment portion. She spoke in favor of the proposed resolution.
The Board’s Mock Legislature program typically serves elementary, middle, and high school students. This marks the first time it has been adapted for young adults with developmental disabilities, opening the door to broader participation and new perspectives.
Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D–Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) said, “The Board’s free Mock Legislature program benefits thousands of students, allowing them to not only see how government works, but also to help them see how they can raise their voices. Today we opened the program up to a new cohort, and learned so much from them through the process. The voices we heard from today were clear: these county residents need to contribute and further, need opportunities that will increase their independence. Thank you to Volunteer New York!’s RISE program, and to today’s participants.”
Legislators Nancy E. Barr, David T. Imamura, Jenn Puja, Anant Nambiar, Jewel Williams Johnson, and a staff representative for Majority Leader Judah Holstein attended, along with Minority Leader Margaret A. Cunzio and Minority Whip James Nolan. Board Members presented Certificates of Merit to participants from their districts at the end of the event.
Volunteer New York!’s Executive Director Polly Lagana, Senior Director of Programs Katie Pfeifer, and Senior Director of Development Dylan Pyne were also present at the historic event.
Program organizers said the session is part of a broader effort to support self-advocacy and prepare participants for employment and community leadership.
Patti Colombo, RISE Program Manager and co-facilitator of the Aspiring LeaDDers program, said, “I’d like to thank Legislator Erika Pierce, whom I met at the County’s ADA Anniversary celebration last July, for taking a personal interest in helping develop this experience as part of our 10-month leadership curriculum and for ensuring accommodations were in place. These Aspiring LeaDDers are highly motivated to strengthen their self-advocacy skills, grow as leaders in our community, and are committed, loyal employees. Any organization would be fortunate to welcome them as new hires.”
Brendan Klein, Coordinator of Self Advocacy and Community Engagement at WIHD, said, “Leadership and advocacy are one: owning your voice, standing strong in your truth, and breaking barriers so every voice is valued, respected, and heard. That is exactly what we saw today. True leaders practice powerful self-advocacy, know their worth, speak with confidence, and lift others to rise, speak up, take action, and be heard.”
Jacob Kuligowski, Aspiring LeaDDers participant, said, “If [people with disabilities] were given the chance to work they would be taxpayers themselves…. I would like to thank Legislator Pierce and all the other legislators for their time and attention.”
Moana-Moses Anne Kikoler, Aspiring LeaDDers graduate, said “People need to be able to work to afford to live, so employment is a civil rights issue, and people with disabilities deserve to have those resources as much as any other group. Thank you for having us today.”