BILL NUMBER: S3743
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to establishing a
co-navigation services program for persons who are deaf-blind
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To empower those in our community and provide support to them by estab-
lishing a co-navigation services program for persons who are DeafBlind.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Bill contains definitions, guidance and parameters for the establishment
of a co-navigation services program for persons who are DeafBlind in New
York State.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Support Services are the number one need to those in the DeafBlind
community. Co-Navigation programs have been successfully established or
are pending in a range of states such as Texas, Colorado, Kansas,
Missouri and Arizona. Support Service Providers (SSPs), also called
CoNavigators (CNt), can provide services to help the DeafBlind overcome
barriers and increase their quality of life. SSPs/CNs are one vital tool
available for people who are DeafBlind and provide support and informa-
tion for them to lead independent, productive, and quality lives.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Proposal.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be arrived upon.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 180 days after it shall have become a law.