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New York State’s 37 Independent Living Centers

Statewide Disability Caucus Agenda Issue List 2003-4

Updated November 2003

This issue list was developed in consultation with Network Partners, Advocates, Independent Living Center Directors, and members of the appropriate NYSILC Public Policy Subcommittees. It is not exhaustive, and may change as circumstances necessitate.

For Each Area, the "Priority Issues" and "Other Important Issues" have been identified.

1. Housing

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for the creation of a Rental Assistance Program for people reentering the community from nursing homes.

• The Network will advocate for the establishment of a Housing Trust Fund.

• The Network will advocate for the wider use of the Department of Housing and Urban Developments Section 8 Home ownership option for People with Disabilities.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will advocate for the passage of State Law or creation of Regulation(s) supporting inclusive home design in single family housing (Visitability).
• The Network will advocate for the passage of housing legislation similar the 504 regulations.
• The Network will advocate for the passage of a state law to expand the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) to include persons with disabilities.
• The Network will advocate for the expansion of the SONYMA "Home of Your Own" Project to include all New Yorkers with disabilities.
• The Network will advocate for State and Federal regulations to provide tax credits to encourage the construction of fully accessible apartments above that currently required by law.
• The Network will facilitate housing options in implementation of local housing plans.
• The Network will advocate for the State to set up a fund for access and safety modifications to existing structures so each county has a program for such modifications.

2. Transportation

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for New York State to subsidize transportation for persons with disabilities throughout all areas, including rural populations, with accessibility criteria beyond current ADA guidelines.

• The Network will advocate for accessibility of all OTR buses.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will advocate that all transit and paratransit systems in New York State have a formal complaint system, with documentation, tracking and reporting of the same.
• The Network will advocate for the establishment of an advisory committee inclusive of persons with disabilities for all types of transportation services.
• The Network will advocate for passage of State legislation to adopt the "Accessible Waterborne Commuter Services Facilities Transportation Act," as adopted by New York City, to apply statewide.

3. Olmstead Implementation

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for the passage of a national home and community based personal assistance services and supports act.

• The Network will advocate for passage of State and Federal regulations encouraging the provision of long-term services in community settings. (Money follows the person.)

Other Important Issues:

• The Network should work towards preventing institutionalization by promoting the education of persons with disabilities about community living options and their rights under discharge plans to avoid nursing home placement.
• The Network will target transitioning consumers out of institutions as a priority for service provision.
• The Network will advocate for the dedication of ongoing State and Federal resources for Olmstead Related Activities, with the involvement of persons with disabilities in all parts of the process.
• The Network will advocate for the New York State Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council to write and implement consistent statewide regulations to transition people with disabilities from institutions into the community.
• The Network will advocate for changes in the Adult Home Care system.

4. Voting Access

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for implementation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in New York State.

• The Network will advocate for change in New York State Election Law to eliminate the "Full Face Ballot."

Other Important Issues:

• The Network should work towards establishing persons with disabilities as a voting bloc by encouraging candidate forums on disability issues, voter registration drives and persons with disabilities becoming polling place workers during elections.

5. Health Care Reform

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for the adoption of a Medicaid Waiver for people with disabilities and seniors.

• The Network will advocate for the creation of regulations that strengthen the availability of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Programs in New York State, emphasizing the ability of a consumer to have the choice of multiple providers and consistency in program implementation from county to county.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will oppose the implementation of any cuts to existing home health services.
• The Network will oppose any legislation attempting to limit medical services for persons with disabilities.
• The Network will advocate for the passage of State Law providing Mental Health Parity. (Timothy’s Law)
• The Network will advocate for the availability of an EPIC program for persons with disabilities under age 65.
• The Network will advocate for dedicating more resources towards community peer supports and long-term service coordination services for people with mental health to prevent institutionalization.
• The Network will advocate for more community-based supports to respond to crisis so people with mental health disabilities will not have to rely on hospital emergency rooms for mental health care.

6. Civil Rights/ADA

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for the passage of a bill waiving the Sovereign Immunity of New York State in Disability Rights Cases.

• The network will support passage of any legislation that strengthens or broadens existing law affording civil rights protection to persons with disabilities, and oppose passage of any legislation that weakens such protection, including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, the Fair Housing Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will advocate for the passage of State legislation requiring all state and local government programs to be accessible to persons with disabilities.
• The Network will oppose the appointment of judges with a negative record on disability rights issues.
• The network will advocate for a broader understanding of the civil rights of persons with disabilities within the criminal and family justice systems.

7. Education

Priorities:

• The Network should ensure that the IDEA re-authorization will protect behavioral supports and legal representation for students with disabilities.

• The Network will advocate for the creation of programs that educate and support persons with disabilities using the peer model in public schools and higher education.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will advocate for full access for persons with disabilities in higher education by encouraging the availability of more financial aid for people with disabilities in higher education.
• The Network will advocate for the elimination of segregated educational settings and programs.
• The Network will advocate for better transition plans for students.

8. Employment

Priorities:

• The Network will advocate for the full implementation of the Medicaid Buy-In Program.

• The Network will advocate for complete accessibility of Workforce Investment Act programs and services to persons with disabilities.

Other Important Issues:

• The Network will work towards elimination of sheltered workshops.
• The Network will advocate for unionization of sheltered workshop employees.
• The Network will advocate for the passage of a law preventing using the status of "Independent Contractor" to lower the wages and benefits of sheltered workshop employees.
• The Network will advocate for provision of more resources for job coaches and supportive employment.