In recognition of
Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa)
announced the passage of a comprehensive package of bills focused on improving
the quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities.
“It is imperative that we do all we
can to remove roadblocks and level the playing field for those with
disabilities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This package of legislation
addresses and helps alleviate some of the challenges that people with
disabilities must face on a regular basis.”
One group that will see significant
changes are disabled veterans as the package establishes the New York State
Interagency Coordinating Council for Service-Disabled Veterans (A.6213-A). This
council will be tasked with better identifying the needs of our
service-disabled veterans and efficiently matching these needs with appropriate
state resources.
“This council will make it easier
for veterans with disabilities, who have bravely served our country, to access
programs that can improve their quality of life,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “As
the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a member of the
Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue to fight to provide our
service-disabled veterans with the support and assistance they require and
deserve.”
In an effort to assist all New
Yorkers with disabilities, the Assembly passed legislation that will assist people
with disabilities during an emergency (A.6445). This legislation would require
every owner of a high-rise building to establish and maintain an emergency
evacuation plan for disabled occupants and visitors. This bill would also
require those building owners to maintain and update the emergency evacuation
plan for those with disabilities as necessary and have it available to
emergency personnel.
“By addressing
the unique needs of people with disabilities, this bill ensures the safety of
those who are most vulnerable in emergency situations,” Assemblywoman Russell
said. “By putting proper safeguards into place, we can prevent life-threatening
situations from becoming tragic.”
In addition to
these bills, the Assembly’s package also included a variety of legislation
ranging from creating equal access to voting for blind and visually impaired
voters, to preventing discrimination against people with service dogs,
Assemblywoman Russell noted.
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