In this section you can stay updated on local, state and federal legislation. Each item will have at least one link to more details and an action you may take….
- Open Captions Legislation Pending Now in Albany
Legislation to require cinemas across New York State to schedule showtimes of movies with open captions is now under consideration in Albany. - Letter to Governor HochulJanuary 26, 2024 Hon. Kathleen C. HochulGovernor, State of New York Re: Interagency Coordinating Council for Service to Persons who are Deaf, Deafblind & Hardof Hearing Dear Governor Hochul: Thank you for announcing the re-establishment of the Interagency Coordinating Council.(IAC). Our Hearing Loss Association leaders across New York State are heartened that NewYork will soon join 39 other states in addressing the needs of hard of hearing seniors,working adults, children and their families. We are reaching out to Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill and her team to pledge our activesupport and assistance to increase awareness and understanding of hearing loss… Read more: Letter to Governor Hochul
- Re-Establishment of Interagency Coordinating Council on Services to Persons Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Announced by GovernorFor Immediate Release: 1/17/2024 | GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL Kimberly T. Hill, Appointed New York State’s First Chief Disability Officer in 2022, Expands Staff as Council Re-Starts Experienced Expert Christopher Woodfilll to Lead Interagency CoordinatingCouncil, with Support from Sign Language Interpreter Rachel Cahill Under CDO Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the re-establishment of the InteragencyCoordinating Council on Services to Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard ofHearing, within the Office of the Chief Disability Officer. The Council, comprised of 15members representing state agencies and community members, will advocate on behalfof persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind. Christopher Woodfill, formerlyan… Read more: Re-Establishment of Interagency Coordinating Council on Services to Persons Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Announced by Governor
- Establishment of State Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Awaits Action by Gov. HochulIn the closing days of the 2022 legislative session, the State Senate unanimously passed S1852B, authorizing New York to become the 39th state to have an agency to represent the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. The Senate’s action follows earlier passage, also unanimous, by the Assembly. The legislation now awaits signing into law by Governor Hochul and the authorization of funding for staffing and administrative costs. HLAA members and friends are urged to contact the Governor to urge her to enact the legislation. Send your letters by mail (preferable), or email, or both. Also, please call the governor’s office. MAIL: Hon. Kathleen… Read more: <strong>Establishment of State Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Awaits Action by Gov. Hochul</strong>
- Celebrating 32nd Anniversary of ADA in New York StateJuly 28, 2022. ADA Remarks by Jerry Bergman during “Disability Rights in New York State” Sponsored by the NYS Division of Human Rights on July 28, 2022. In association with the New York Association on Independent Living, the Hearing Loss Association of America – New York State Association, and the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State I’M HONORED TO SAY A FEW WORDS ON BEHALF OF PEOPLE WITH “SENSORY DISABILITIES.” BUT I MUST SAY UPFRONT THAT I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACED BY PEOPLE WITH BLINDNESS, OR THE CHALLENGES OF BEING DEAF OR LIVING WITH BOTH BLINDNESS AND DEAFNESS. … Read more: Celebrating 32nd Anniversary of ADA in New York State