The Senate today passed legislation to protect New Yorkers with disabilities. This package will mandate that building owners develop emergency evacuation plans for people with disabilities, establish the Office of the Independent Intellectual and Developmental Disability Ombudsman program, create the Care Demonstration Program, and replace instances of insensitive and derogatory language in the law in reference to individuals with mental illness. These bills will also protect an individual's right to an essential support person, provide retroactive relief for rent increase exemption assistance, and establish the Office for the Advocate of People with Disabilities. 

“We must ensure disabled New Yorkers have the opportunities and tools they need to succeed and the protections and access to care that these bills will provide,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “They enrich our communities and contribute so much to our state. I am proud of the Senate Majority’s efforts to protect members of our community who need assistance. The Senate Democratic Majority is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities, and we will keep moving forward towards a brighter, better future with equity for all.” 

Bill Sponsor, and Chair of the Senate Committee on Disabilities, Senator John Mannion said, "Establishing a new Senate committee dedicated to protecting and supporting disabled New Yorkers sends a powerful message. It also comes with the moral obligation to deliver real and lasting change for individuals, families, caregivers, and stakeholders. Under the leadership of Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the State Senate is meeting these obligations. We are improving the lives of disabled New Yorkers in ways large and small, continuing the Senate’s renewed commitment to the I/DD community. I never want to let the disabilities community down. Ensuring we have the policies, funding, and proper supports in place to facilitate happy, meaningful, and productive lives for all I/DD New Yorkers is one of my guideposts."

Read the Senate Majority Release.