A PUBLICATION OF DISABILITY RIGHTS NEW YORK
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Disability Rights New York (DRNY) is the Protection & Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for persons with disabilities in New York State. DRNY advocates for the civil and legal rights for New Yorkers with disabilities.
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On Election Day we surveyed poll sites checking for barriers that prevent voters from using their assigned poll sites. We frequently see physical barriers that stop those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices from entering or navigating within a poll site. Other times we encounter problems with the Ballot Marking Device (BMD), a device that allows a voter to use a computer-like device to mark a ballot. We will be releasing our findings to the public and to the boards of elections in the coming weeks.
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Our latest animated explainer video focuses on what a BMD does and how to file a complaint when the BMD does not work or is not available on Election Day.
This video helps voters exercise and defend their right to vote.
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News Channel 7 in NYC investigated poll site accessibility by following DRNY on poll site surveys on Primary Day. This story highlighted many of the problems we see at inaccessible polling locations and it aired on election day.
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Oral Argument Opposing Guardianship
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Prianka Nair, Esq. appeared before the Appellate Division for the Second Department Judicial Department to stop a guardianship from being placed over our client. When our client turned 18, a guardianship proceeding was initiated and he has spent the last two years and considerable resources fighting to retain his decision-making rights. The risk of having a court tell you that you do not have the ability to make decisions is very scary to many of our clients. Ms. Nair, reminded the Court that before such a process moves forward, a court must demand facts and not rely upon a bias that young people with disabilities need to be protected.
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National Voter Registration Day
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National Voter Registration Day is a national holiday celebrating our democracy. We partnered with State University of New York (SUNY) disability resource offices to expand voter registration on campuses and held a contest to see which school could gather the most new voter registrations.
Congratulations to
SUNY Old Westbury, Rockland Community College, and Delhi
for collecting the most voter registrations! 170 new voters were added to the rolls through this partnership. We also want to thank the Nassau County League of Women Voters and Nassau County Board of Elections for their contribution to these successful events.
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Our own Alison Lynch is now getting national attention as a triathlete and marathon runner. She is featured in a recent Runners World article. Alison has achromatopsi, a heredity visual disorder, that impacts the effectiveness of her vision in a variety of ways. Alison ran her first marathon in 2017 in New York City and then went on to compete in three more marathons over the 12 months that followed. Alison has competed in seven sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons and three half marathons. She also placed first during the open division of the Paratriathlon National Championship. This month, Alison once again competed in the NYC Marathon, seven minutes faster than her time last year.
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Wheelchair Users in NYC
Exposed to Harmful Treatment by NYPD
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We have joined a class action suit initiated by Beldock, Levine & Hoffman LLP and Michael L. Spiegel, Esq., against the New York City Police Department and the City of New York. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices are exposed to harmful and discriminatory treatment at the time of arrest. Some have been forcibly removed from their wheelchairs and exposed to indignities and physical harm during the arrest process. Others have been left in police facilities, including cells and bathrooms, unable to move because they are not given access to their assistive equipment. We are seeking change in all boroughs through this lawsuit to make sure that wheelchair users will no longer face discrimination during future arrest situations.
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Parent to Parent Text 4 Caregivers
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Emotional Support Animals Must be Accommodated
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Allison Kuver was told by her co-op company, Metro Management, that she could not have her emotional support animal because she would not give them access to her confidential medial information. After denying her request, the company then started an eviction proceeding to remove her from her home. We helped Allison file a complaint with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a result of our efforts, Metro Management agreed to withdraw the pending eviction and granted Allison’s request for an emotional support animal. Metro Management will also be updating and improving their policy to prevent future discriminatory responses.
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Empire State Of Rights: Managed Care Plan Comments
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The transitioning of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to a managed care model is confusing.
In this edition of Empire State of Rights Closed Captioned, listen to guest Michael Fiske, Esq., discuss our comments on the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ new Managed Care Plan. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss, send an email to
podcast@drny.org
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Nancy Nowak attended the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District College and Trade School Fair & Financial Aid Night.
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William Flynn attended the Taconic Resource for Independence Annual Disability Awareness Fair
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Do you know someone with a passion for advocating for people with disabilities? We are growing and we encourage you to share the news far and wide.
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You Shop AmazonSmile Gives
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Amazon.com makes it so easy to support the work we do here at DRNY! Visit
AmazonSmile and choose Disability Rights New York - You shop - Amazon.com gives!!
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We are looking for art to feature in our campaigns throughout 2018. This is an open call for
all media (paintings, sketches, photos, videos, projection, or digital art).
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DRNY is supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and, the Social Security Administration. This Newsletter does not represent the views, positions or policies of, or the endorsements by, any of these federal agencies.
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