Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC – Executive Director
Dr. Sharon Melisse McLennon Wier has been working in the field of rehabilitation counseling and mental health for over 25 years. Dr. McLennon Wier received her Ph.D. degree from Seton Hall University in Counseling Psychology in 2012. She obtained a US Law and Methodology Certificate from New York University’s School of Continuing Education in 2003, her MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Hunter College, City University of New York in 1998, and her BS degree in Biology from Syracuse University in 1993.
Dr. McLennon Wier is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Currently, she works for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) as the Executive Director. Her employment history includes working for Berkeley College as the Director of Disability Services for their New York and New Jersey campuses, District Manager for the Harlem Office for the New York State Commission for the Blind, and as a Rehabilitation Consultant for Ultimate Consultation and Evaluation just to name a few.
Dr. McLennon Wier taught as an Adjunct Psychology Professor for over 15 years. She provides training and presentations regarding psychological topics associated with the aspect of disability. She has presented at numerous conferences through Division 22 and Division 33 of the American Psychological Association, the Learning Disability Association of America, the National Rehabilitation Association and City University of New York (CUNY). Her research interests are in the areas of sexuality and disability. She has published several articles and book chapters regarding this subject matter. In addition, she has served the rehabilitation professional community by her service to the National Rehabilitation Association’s Metro New York chapter. She is a current board member and Past President of the Metro New York NRA Chapter 2001 to 2002 and was the co-chairperson for exhibits of the NERA conference held in New York in 2003 and 2013. Dr. McLennon Wier is a current board member for the Lavelle Fund. Dr. McLennon Wier is a disability rights advocate and believes that access to one’s environment is crucial especially in the voting booths and the world of work.
Below are selected media appearances featuring Dr. McLennon Wier.
- MTA delaying emergency gate openings to thwart fare evaders – as critics sound alarms over safety: ‘Putting people’s lives at risk’ – NY Post
- Stirring Through Challenges in the Kitchen: Strategies for People with Disabilities – Next Avenue
- Social Security changes backed by DOGE ‘a recipe for disaster,’ advocates say – Scripps News
- Mayor Eric Adams’ involuntary hospitalization policy criticized by City Council report – Newsday
- Is NYC congestion pricing in jeopardy? – FOX 5
- “I would say to any Black woman that I would rather her state what she needs to say than be quiet because that is also perpetuating this idea that what you have to say doesn’t matter, and we can’t continue to do that as a population,” she said. “We need to be able to have our voices heard and speak we need to speak because for so long, we’ve been siloed into silence.” Prioritizing therapy and mental health in 2025: Navigating challenges and embracing healing – Afro News
- Disabled New Yorkers weigh in on congestion pricing launch – NY1 Spectrum News
- Opinion: Employment Matters to the Disabled Community – City Limits
- “Abled-bodied people would be disgusted with waiting for an essential right needed for day-to-day life…” “Why should the Disabled Community continue to wait!” Congestion pricing: Disability advocates filing new lawsuit to restart accessibility projects – amNY
- “I would like to see money given specifically for accessibility. I would like to see it earmarked for the elevator access because I think that’s the only way we’re going to get it done.” Queens LIRR accessibility projects halted amid congestion pricing pause. Why disability advocates are worried – CBS News
- “Accessibility is a civil right, I cannot emphasize that enough.”
City Moving Slow On Requirement For Sidewalk Ramps At Every Corner – THE CITY - “When we have these hospitals closing that also hurts us as a population because we now have a new place to go to, our level of transportation time is increased and also we may not be able to travel if that specialized doctor is far away from our destination…”
Mount Sinai Beth Israel announces its closure after serving community for more than a century – News 12 - “[For example], installing hearing induction loops in common spaces, such as meeting rooms, recreational spaces and lecture rooms, can assist a person with hearing loss to participate in the activities…”
Assisted Living Options For People With Disabilities – Forbes - “It clearly violated the architectural designs and requirements that the Americans with Disabilities Act calls for…”
Hunters Point Library architects sued over building’s accessibility issues – CBS News - “We need to ensure that elevators are acceptable for all people regardless of disability and we want it now. We want it now. We want it now,”
New York City, state grapple with MTA budget woes – ABC News
For more more media coverage, visit www.cidny.org/media-coverage.