New York State Commemorates Americans with Disability Act Anniversary with New Protections

Last week marked the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  To honor this landmark legislation, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a series of bills aimed at enhancing the quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities.  Among the new laws is state Sen. Monica R. Martinez’s legislation, which expands the real property tax exemption for people with disabilities.  This legislation addresses a gap that previously prevented some individuals with disabilities from accessing essential tax benefits to help them afford stable housing.

“New York State has always been a champion of equitable treatment for its residents.  However, the existing tax exemption law treated some individuals with disabilities differently than others,” said Senator Martinez.  “This amendment brings much-needed equity and fairness to the property tax code that will help more disabled New Yorkers afford to remain in their homes and communities.  I thank the governor for recognizing the seriousness of this issue and for signing this change into law.”

In addition to Senator Martinez’s proposal, the governor also signed legislation to:

• allow the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes programs to cover essential home repairs related to accessibility modifications for low- and moderate-income households with disabilities.
• make it easier for New Yorkers with disabilities to apply for parking permit renewals.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, commonly referred to as the ADA, is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The law ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to secure employment, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. Under the ADA, a person with a disability is someone who:

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
• has a history or record of such an impairment, or
• is perceived by others as having such an impairment.