BILL NUMBER: S6693A
SPONSOR: MANNION
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to requiring agencies
to develop a five-year accessibility plan providing full and equal
access to the physical facilities, services, programs, and activities of
any state agency or department for persons with disabilities
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to require state agencies to create five-
year accessibility plans on how every State agency intends to implement
full and equal access for people with disabilities to physical facili-
ties, services, programs and activities of such State agencies.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would amend the Civil Rights Law by adding a new
section 40-h to ensure the right of full and equal access for all indi-
viduals with disabilities to the facilities, services, programs and
activities of any state agency or department; and enforcement thereof.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the effective date shall take
effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Accessibility is an important issue for the disabilities community.
Individuals with disabilities need adjustments to services and programs
so they can access it fully and fairly. New Yorkers with disabilities
have unique and specific challenges that require assistance from the
State to ensure equitable and fair treatment.
Twenty percent of adult New Yorkers have a disability. State agencies
need to accommodate these individuals by increasing accessibility for
their facilities, programs and services. This bill would ensure State
agencies have a specific focus to increase their accessibility through
the implementation of five-year plans. Simple steps such as adding
captions to every video published by State agencies can have a tremen-
dous impact on the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities. This renewed
focus on inclusivity and accessibility will empower people with disabil-
ities and it will improve their interactions with the State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.