BILL NUMBER: S5495
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to establishing a model
neurodiversity awareness training program
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to establishing a model neurodiversity awareness training
program.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the labor law by adding a new section 201-j to create a
model neurodiversity awareness training program,
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Neurodiversity, or neurodivergence, are umbrella terms used to describe
conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
autism spectrum disorder (ASD).1 Although neurodiverse individuals often
possess strengths that can improve productivity and work performance,
these individuals can often experience challenges in work settings.'
Creating a model neurodiversity awareness training program to be used in
the workplace will educate employees on how they can best support their
neurodiverse coworkers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Furthermore, it will grant neurodiverse individuals awareness of accom-
modations that can be made for them and the rights that are granted to
them by law. This legislation will bring New York closer to ensuring
equal treatment and opportunity for neurodiverse people in the work-
place.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7720 - Died in Labor
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To Be Determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the department of labor,
in consultation with the division of human rights and the department of
health, is authorized to create the model neurodiversity awareness
training program pursuant to section 2011 of the labor law, as added by
section one of this act.
1 https://dceg.cancer.gov/about/diversity-inclusion/inclusivity-
minute/2022/neurodiversity
2
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645