Edith Prentiss, Wash Heights Disability Advocate, Dead At 69

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Edith Prentiss, a legendary New York City disability advocate and Washington Heights resident, died recently. She was 69.

Prentiss used a wheelchair for the last 25 years of her life, becoming a leading voice in the fight to ensure equality and accessibility for people with disabilities in the city and across the country.

"Very, very sad news to report that my dear friend and disability advocate Edith Prentiss passed away this weekend," friend and fellow Upper Manhattan resident Arlene Schulman wrote on Facebook. "I am heartbroken. A tremendous loss."

During her advocacy career, Prentiss served as president of both the 504 Democratic Club and the Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York City organization. She also held a longtime seat on Community Board 12.

Prentiss was incredibly effective with her fierce disability advocacy, helping to get elevators installed at subway stations across the city, including at Dyckman Street, helping to provide free bus rides for seniors when subway elevators needed repairs, and testifying in the name of stronger legislation around disability rights on countless occasions.

Tributes

Leaders around New York City took to social media and written statements on Tuesday and Wednesday to pay homage to Prentiss.

"Edith Prentiss was a strong advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and fought to ensure rights and accessibility throughout our communities," Congressman Adriano Espaillat wrote on Twitter. "Edith made a difference through her advocacy, strength, and resolve to make our communities better and more inclusive."

Washington Heights native, comptroller, and candidate for mayor Scott Stringer also took to Twitter Wednesday morning to pay his respects to Prentiss.

"Edith Prentiss made our city a safer, more accessible place to call home for millions of New Yorkers with disabilities," Stringer wrote. "She was a tireless advocate who left an indelible mark on our city. Rest in power."

Multiple people across social media have made the suggestion that the MTA should name an elevated subway stop after Prentiss.

"RIP to a tireless community advocate Edith Prentiss," Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for leaving your mark on our community and city."

Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement Wednesday afternoon about Prentiss' death: "I am very saddened to hear of the passing of longtime disability advocate, Edith Prentiss. She was a force to be reckoned with and pushed us all to do better and make things more inclusive for New Yorkers."

De Blasio's statement was released alongside Victor Calise, the Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People People with Disabilities.

"Edith Prentiss was a fierce advocate who was straightforward, knowledgeable and unapologetic but also kind and loving towards everyone. Edith advocated for anyone and everyone, understanding that the disability rights movement was not just for people who use wheelchairs but for every person with every type of disability," Calise said in a news release. "Over the years she has left her mark in New York City by increasing wheelchair-accessible taxis and for-hire vehicles, access in Parks programs, community board engagement, MTA matters, celebrations of disability pride and so much more. She was selfless, passionate and loved New York City with all of her being. Her advocacy, her spirit and her impact will be sorely missed."