Officials from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) were joined by accessibility advocates and elected officials at the 175 St Subway Station for the unveiling of a memorial plaque honoring the life and legacy of longtime transit accessibility advocate Edith Prentiss, who passed away in March.
“Today’s fight for enhanced transit accessibility is built on the advocacy and past fights of people like Edith,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA chief accessibility officer. “Edith was at the vanguard of the fight for accessibility, a mentor, and most importantly, a beloved friend. This memorial will serve as a daily reminder to the thousands of riders who use this station every day – Edith’s home station – that we all have the power to be a voice for change.”
Prentiss, who used a wheelchair for the last 25 years of her life, was a daily transit rider and leading voice in the fight to ensure equality and accessibility for people with disabilities in New York City and throughout the transit system.
“Edith Prentiss was an advocate in the purest sense of the word,” said Sarah Feinberg, interim New York City Transit president. “Her tenacity and never-back-down attitude made her an iconic leader in the movement to expand accessibility and equity for New Yorkers with disabilities. This plaque is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.”
“I am so proud of the hard work my sister was able to accomplish, and the impact of that work will touch New Yorkers for decades to come,” said Andrew Prentiss, brother of Edith. “I would also like to thank the MTA for today’s event and for this memorial at her favorite subway station, ensuring her legacy will continue to live on.”
Prentiss was a founding member of the Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility (ACTA), an all-volunteer group of community members committed to working with NYC Transit on a range of accessibility issues with the goal to represent many forms of disability and include persons from across the spectrum of disabilities. She was also a 14-year member of the Transit Riders Council.
Her work with the MTA included advocating for elevators at subway stations, closing platform gaps and educating MTA employees about the challenges for riders with disabilities. Prentiss was passionate about creating accessible art throughout the transit system that was available for everyone to enjoy. She also held a longtime seat on Community Board 12.
Jessica Murray, Ph.D., chair of the NYCT Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility said, “It was an honor to know Edith and work with her on the Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility for New York City Transit, one of many active roles she held in her pursuit for greater access. She was a mentor and friend to countless disabled New Yorkers and deserves this fitting tribute to her memory.”
