This right is already included in federal law under the American with Disabilities Act. Protecting these rights under state law is crucial to assuring these rights are protected and supported especially in the settings and by the organizations where so many people with disabilities live or spend most of their time. 

New techniques and technologies to communicate are being developed at a rapid pace. Technology is making great strides and new tools and methods are allowing people previously cut-off from meaningful interaction to communicate, which for many, gives them control and agency in their lives for the first time.  Choosing which technique to use should be made by the affected person, not bureaucracies, trade organizations, or politicians. 

A7363b/S7792a is simple. Here it is:

“In order to ensure that each person with a disability is able to lead a life of dignity, all persons with a disability shall have the right to communicate in their preferred manner and utilize any communication supports that meet their needs, and all staff and providers under this section, shall ensure and acknowledge such rights.”

A7363b/S7792a restates the rights of people with disabilities to choose their preferred mode of communication already protected by federal law. 

Title 28, Chapter I, Part 35, Subpart E, § 35.160. (B) 

1) A public entity shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford individuals with disabilities, including applicants, participants, companions, and members of the public, an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity of a public entity.”

2) In determining what types of auxiliary aids and services are necessary, a public entity shall give primary consideration to the requests of individuals with disabilities.”

A7363b/S7792a will ensure that the rights of people with disabilities have under federal law to communicate according to their preference, is also reflected in New York State law.

See the bill here: https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=A7363&term=&Summary=Y&Memo=Y

A7363 passed through committee and is on the floor of the Assembly, but was put on hold by Speaker Carl Heastie. 

We need to get the Speaker to move the bill.

Here’s what you can do to support the bill:

Use the panel to the right to send messages to your State Senator and Assemblymember asking them to co-sponsor A7363b/A7792a

• Call the offices below:
• Write a letter and mail it
• Fax your letter if you have a fax machine
• Share this information with friends and family
• Post this information on social media

Make sure you contact 

• Speaker Carl Heastie
• Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins 
• Your State Senator
• Your Assemblymember

The most important person to contact now is Assemblymember Carl Heastie, Speaker of the Assembly. He is the boss and can decide if our bill goes forward.

Speaker of the Assembly Carle Heastie

Legislative Office Building 932
Albany, NY 12248

(518) 455-3791

District office: (718) 654-6539
Fax: (518) 455-5459

Email Address: Speaker@nyassembly.gov

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Andrea Stewart Cousins

Legislative Office Building, Room 907

Albany,  NY 12247

Phone: (518) 455-2585

Phone: (518) 455-2715

Fax: (518) 426-6811

Email Address: scousins@nysenate.gov

Please call your own Assemblymember and State Senator. You can look up the names and contact information of your current Assemblymember here.

https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

And State Senator here:

https://www.nysenate.gov/registration/nojs/form/start/find-my-senator

Talking Points

Call the offices and ask if you can speak to the legislator, or the person responsible for disability issues. Be polite.

• Let them know you want A7673b/S7792A passed in its current form.

• You want your State Senator and Assemblymember to Co-sponsor the bill. That means they put their name on the bill to show they want it passed.

• Ask if your State Senator and Assemblymember have co-sponsored. If so thank them and get off the phone. 

• Tell them that you believe disabled individuals should have the right to choose their own method of communication, which is already required by federal law (see below.) Technology is rapidly improving, and new effective methods are being used. People should have the right under New York law to choose what works for them. 

• If you or a loved one uses an alternative form of communication let the person know how important that is, and how it makes a difference in your life or the affected person’s life.

• Let them know that no bureaucracy, private organization or elected officials should be able to decide what communication techniques disabled people use. That should be decided by each individual for themselves. 

• Let them know you will be watching the progress of this bill.

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