BILL NUMBER: S9240

SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to requiring braille
labeling in dwellings in public housing projects in the state

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The bill enhances accessibility and independence for visually impaired
residents by mandating Braille labeling on room numbers, elevator
buttons, and directional signage in public housing common areas state-
wide.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill mandates all public housing projects in the state
to include Braille labeling. on room numbers, elevator buttons, and
directional signage in common areas.

Section 2 sets an effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In New York State, a significant portion of the population-418,500 indi-
viduals according to the National Federation of the Blind-are visually
impaired and face daily challenges due to a lack of necessary accessi-
bility features in public housing. These residents struggle with basic
yet crucial aspects of daily living such as identifying their own apart-
ment numbers, operating elevators, or navigating through common areas.
This absence of Braille labeling not only limits their independence but
also poses serious safety risks, as these individuals are more prone to
accidents and misdirection in environments that are not appropriately
adapted to their needs.

This legislation mandates the installation of Braille labeling through-
out public housing complexes in New York. This requirement would cover
all critical points of interaction, including room numbers, elevator
buttons, and directional signs. Implementing Braille labels will greatly
enhance the autonomy of visually impaired residents by allowing them to
navigate more independently within their living environments. Moreover,
this measure will bring New York's public housing into alignment with
federal accessibility laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), ensuring compliance with .national standards for accessibility.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.