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The Arc New York Advances Language to Modernize Board of Visitor Statute – Passes Both Houses
During the 2023-24 NYS legislative session, The Arc New York sought to increase the transparency of, and modernization to Mental Hygiene statute 13.33, which governors the creation, activities, and responsibilities of the Board of Visitors (BOV) for state-operated facilities. Through our efforts, we were able to advance legislation with Senator Mannion and Assemblymember Bichotte-Hermlyn, which passed both houses before the end of session. Our advocacy effort now is to engage Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.
The legislation (A.10384/S.9246) amends the Boards of Visitors statute to ensure greater transparency of board activities, such as public posting of board activities and findings, offering detailed information about meetings and procedures.
The Arc New York’s Advocacy and Oversight Committee has ardently fought for greater transparency and operational effectiveness of the BOVs over the past year, and we thank them for their diligence, perspective, and insight. We will continue to update you on ways advocates can assist with the signing of this bill and others listed below.
Additional Legislation Pertaining to People with Disabilities
A.1200 (Epstein)/S.413 (Thomas) - Establishes the people with disabilities access to programs commission to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on how the state should streamline eligibility processes.
A.1577-A (Buttenschon)/S.3108-A (Mannion) – Amends the current OPWDD independent ombudsman statute to strengthen the program by 1) establishing a hotline & interactive website 2) making staff available staff via telephone 3) providing assistance for completing paperwork 4) assisting with filing appeals 5) representing people at hearings 6) collecting, tracking and quantifying problems and inquiries 7) educating people on rights and responsibilities.
A.3982 (Jackson)/S.8796 (Mannion) – Extends certain provisions relating to the implementation of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 to conform state law with the federal statute.
A.8560 (Burdick)/S.8666-A (Mannion) – Requires hospitals to ask patients if they have a disability that requires accommodation under The Americans with Disabilities Act.
A.8846-A (Hevesi)/S.8679-A (Mannion) – Requires the NYS Office of Children and Family Services to study the number of children in foster care who have a developmental disability.
A.9523 (Seawright)/S.3105-A (Mannion) – Requires OPWDD to produce and publish a report on staffing, and other issues at the office’s state-operated facilities which cause the “displacement” of people with disabilities and requires a report to the State Legislature before the closure or reduction of service.
A.9948 (Eachus)/ S.8903 (Martinez) – Expands accessibility to partial real property tax exemptions for people with disabilities specifically including people whose primary residence is in a special needs trust, and property owners who have a tenant with a disability with a lease that provides them with life interest in the property as long as the tenant remains in the residence.
Apply Now for the 2024 Advocacy Institute!
The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) has partnered with The Arc New York and the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation to hold the 2nd Annual Advocacy Institute on September 19, 2024.
Participants will hear from several speakers on a variety of topics, and be provided with interactive activities to practice advocacy skills in small groups. The goal of this training is for participants to learn strategies to improve their advocacy skills and gain confidence advocating for their needs and interests.
Topics covered include:
- Public speaking and how to tell your story
- Finding the right type of advocacy
- Disability issues and making systemic change
- Advocating with all types of decision makers
- Tips for an effective meeting
We are currently looking for self-advocates to apply from the Northern and Western regions. Please keep in mind that not all people with I/DD who are excited about advocacy and participate in their community will identify as a Self-Advocate. Please consider those people who are involved in their community, but want to take it to the next step by advocating for others with I/DD on the governmental level.
The deadline is June 30, 2024. You can view the announcement here and access the application here.
Webinar: Activate Your Voters with Disabilities Today!
Earlier this month, The Arc of the United States held a webinar encouraging the disability community to participate in our electoral process. With the upcoming NYS primary election on June 25 and the general election on November 5, 2025, the information presented provides information on the rights of people with disabilities, barriers they might encounter, and a call to be a part of the process. You can access the full webinar here and view the slides here.
As we move forward with our educational advocacy initiatives throughout the summer, focus on elections and voting will be of great importance.
Other resources to support voter participation:
White House Observance of Olmstead 25th Anniversary
The White House held a series of events this week in observance of the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead decision.
On June 18, disability advocates from around the country were hosted by the White House for a forum to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision. Disability advocates joined senior Biden-Harris Administration officials to share resources that promote the full participation and meaningful inclusion of Americans with disabilities in our communities. A recording of the forum can be found here.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services commemorated the 25th Anniversary of Olmstead vs. L.C., on Thursday, June 20. We will share the recording once it is available.
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