Senate Passes Bill to Mandate Reporting of Abuse of Disabled; Bill Now in Assembly

On March 11, 2002, the New York State Senate passed legislation (S.520) that would require the reporting of suspected cases of abuse of the mentally and physically challenged. Individuals who interact with people with disabilities in a professional or official capacity would have to file a report with authorities if they believe maltreatment is occurring.

"Abuse of the mentally and physically incapacitated continues to escalate, and often goes unreported," said Senator Jim Alesi, sponsor of the bill. "Victims are either unable or too afraid to report the abuse themselves."

Under the provisions of the bill, any person required to report maltreatment must immediately do so to the designated authority and must provide a written report within two days. The report would detail in what context he or she knows the alleged victim and would describe in detail the nature of the suspected abuse. Photographs and X-rays may also accompany the written report.

"Existing laws are not stringent enough in bringing cases of maltreatment of the disabled to light," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. "This legislation will help tighten up the system, so that the mentally and physically challenged citizens of this state will be entitled to the protection they deserve."

Those designated under the legislation who fail to report abuse will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and will be civilly liable for any damages that ensue from such failure.

The bill was sent to the Assembly. For more information, click NY State Senate.

Important Phone Numbers and Web Sites for People with Disablilities
Published by the New York State Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities, Important Phone Numbers for People with Disabilities is a handy little brochure full of useful contact information, including:

ADA Information
US Dept. of Justice
800-514-0301
800-514-0383 (TDD)
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

NYS Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
800-522-4369
www.advoc4disabled.state.ny.us

NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
212-788-2830
http://nyc.gov/html/mopd/home.html

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
800-872-2253
www.access-board.gov

Commission on Quality of Care
800-624-4143
www.cqc.state.ny.us/homepage.htm

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
800-395-3372
518-402-3486 (TDD/TTY)
www.ddpc.state.ny.us

Job Accommodation Network
800-526-7234 (voice/TDD)
http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu

For a copy of your own brochure, call: 518-455-4592 (voice) or 518-455-4885 (TTY)

Online Resources:
You can track the issues that mean the most to you by logging on to various local, state and federal government web sites. Here are a few addresses:

New York State
Governor www.state.ny.us/governor
Assembly assembly.state.ny.us
Senate www.senate.state.ny.us
NY State www.state.ny.us

New York City
Mayor's Office www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/om/home.html
Public Advocate www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov/~advocate
City of NY www.nyc.gov