In recognition of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day on May 18, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced passage of legislation she sponsored to provide additional help for people with disabilities.

"Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day is a day that gives us the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the needs and contributions of people with disabilities," Lupardo said. "Through this day we can raise awareness and advance issues that still need to be addressed."

Improving access and services

"We often take for granted the services we use on a daily basis," Lupardo said. "For people with disabilities simple tasks like going to the bank, voting, and even using the phone can be difficult. I have supported legislation that will accommodate people with disabilities so that they can enjoy these services without limits."

Assemblywoman Lupardo sponsorship legislation that addresses obstacles faced by people with disabilities by requiring basic telecommunication services such as police, fire and medical assistance to all people who are visually-, hearing- or severely speech-impaired (A.60).

Increasing handicapped accessible parking

"Spaces reserved for people with disabilities need to be maintained and respected," Lupardo said. "Inconsiderate drivers should not be parking in these spaces. The legislation I supported will remind everyone to be more thoughtful before carelessly parking."

The bills will require handicapped accessible parking space aisles to be:

• at least eight feet wide to allow easy exit and entry for people using vehicles equipped with ramps and lifts (A.7337); and
• marked with a sign and diagonal stripes to clearly identify their use (A.7338).

Curbing discrimination in the marketplace

"Discrimination against people with disabilities cannot be tolerated in the work place or in any aspect of day-to-day living," Lupardo said. "We have accomplished these goals by strengthening New York State’s Human Rights Law which will better protect against disability discrimination in government services (A.6328)."