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GOVERNOR SIGNS MOST-INTEGRATED SETTING BILL INTO LAW
ALBANY, NY - September 17, 2002.
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| Advocates strategize
before meeting with Assembly staff. |
Governor Pataki signed the
"most-integrated setting" bill (A.9913-b) into law late yesterday before the
midnight deadline. The bill looks to establish a policy-making state council
that will develop and implement a comprehensive most-integrated setting plan
consistent with the 1999 Olmstead U.S. Supreme Court decision.
"We're thrilled that the Governor
signed this bill," remarked Bruce Darling of New York State ADAPT. "People with
disabilities are now looking forward to a process that will help to facilitate
Olmstead implementation throughout the state."
Olmstead is the 1999 U.S. Supreme
Court decision that makes it an act of discrimination to institutionalize a
person with a disability against their will, especially when they can live in
the community with appropriate supports. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the
Task Force on People with Disabilities, was the sponsor and original author of
the bill. Senator Maziarz sponsored the Senate version. Simeon Goldman, Senior
Attorney at Disability Advocates, Inc. noted, "For over ten years, I have filed
claims on behalf of people with disabilities at fair hearings to win their
independence in a piecemeal manner. This new law is the first step toward
changing the system to provide individuals a greater opportunity to achieve
their freedom."
Countless people expressed their
support to leadership by telephone. Over 50 people with disabilities waited on
the second floor of the Capitol as the negotiations came to a close. They broke
into a cheer upon hearing the news from Jonathan Federman, Counsel for the
Governor. In addition to Bruce Darling and Sim Goldman, advocates Harvey
Rosenthal, Mel Tanzman, and Barbara Knowlen were among many individuals lending
their talents during the negotiation. |
