West Hollywood Honors Local Disability Rights Advocates

The city recognized four award winners for their contributions to community accessibility and advocacy.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Special Needs

Screen-print poster illustration of an architectural ramp connecting two platforms, representing accessibility in a vibrant, warm color palette. — The West Hollywood Disabilities Advisory Board presented awards to four local advocates for their significant contributions to community accessibility and inclusive services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is your local government doing enough to ensure public sidewalks and spaces are accessible for everyone?

The West Hollywood Disabilities Advisory Board hosted the 28th Annual Disability Service Awards to honor advocates working to improve life for disabled residents. Winners included individual advocates, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Why it matters

The event highlights local efforts to advance disability rights and accessibility in the community. These awards recognize the organizations and individuals crucial to supporting disabled residents through advocacy and direct service.

The Center for Healthcare Rights has operated for 40 years, serving 70 West Hollywood residents last year. The Disabilities Advisory Board has maintained its advocacy efforts for more than 30 years.

The players

Wendy Goldman

An advocate for disabled rights who has been active in the field since 2016.

BlockParty WeHo

A local business entity recognized for its contributions to disability service.

Kristen Lopez

A film critic who was honored with the Media Disability Service Award for her work.

Center for Healthcare Rights

A nonprofit organization that has operated for 40 years to support residents with healthcare and accessibility needs.

The details

Recipients included Wendy Goldman for the Lovedy Brydon Differently Abled Individual Award, BlockParty WeHo for business service, and the Center for Healthcare Rights for nonprofit work. Film critic Kristen Lopez received the Media Disability Service Award during the two-hour ceremony.

Wendy Goldman began fighting for disabled rights in 2016.
Assembly Bill 1620 was signed into law in 2023.
The 28th Annual Disability Service Awards were held on October 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

The citys legislative approach to accessibility aligns with Assembly Bill 1620, which allows tenants with permanent mobility disabilities to maintain rent protections. This marks a broader shift toward legal protections designed to keep disabled residents in their homes.

Residents can access recordings of the ceremony on the City channel or via WeHoTV. These awards identify the key organizations, such as the Center for Healthcare Rights, that offer direct support services to disabled members of the local community.

The takeaway

Honoring local advocates encourages ongoing community participation in accessibility projects. Residents interested in disability rights can support the recognized organizations to help foster a more inclusive city environment.