Miss-Delectable
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Democrat & Chronicle: Essays
On July 2, Gov. Spitzer signed legislation that for the first time will allow for the development of a comprehensive services system for deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout New York state.
The creation of the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council for Services to Persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing two days before the celebration of our country's independence was indeed serendipitous, and for the target population, it was indeed opportune.
This law will improve their access to medical, housing, transportation, technology, personal care, family and day-program services.
It will increase their independence and ability to advocate for the delivery of those comprehensive services.
Until now, those services have been provided by a variety of state and private agencies.
While well-intentioned, there has been a serious need for coordination and collaboration, as well as a centralized clearinghouse of information on available services.
Additionally, this legislation calls for the collection and maintenance of data on the incidence of deafness, deaf-blindness and other hearing loss among state residents — enabling agencies and service providers to better meet the needs in their communities.
We owe state Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece, and Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, a debt of gratitude for introducing and moving this bill forward and making sure it made it to the governor's desk.
We thank Gov. Spitzer for advancing his goal of streamlining government services with the creation of this interagency council.
We look forward to his leadership taking us further down the road of independence for all New Yorkers.
On July 2, Gov. Spitzer signed legislation that for the first time will allow for the development of a comprehensive services system for deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout New York state.
The creation of the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council for Services to Persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing two days before the celebration of our country's independence was indeed serendipitous, and for the target population, it was indeed opportune.
This law will improve their access to medical, housing, transportation, technology, personal care, family and day-program services.
It will increase their independence and ability to advocate for the delivery of those comprehensive services.
Until now, those services have been provided by a variety of state and private agencies.
While well-intentioned, there has been a serious need for coordination and collaboration, as well as a centralized clearinghouse of information on available services.
Additionally, this legislation calls for the collection and maintenance of data on the incidence of deafness, deaf-blindness and other hearing loss among state residents — enabling agencies and service providers to better meet the needs in their communities.
We owe state Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece, and Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, a debt of gratitude for introducing and moving this bill forward and making sure it made it to the governor's desk.
We thank Gov. Spitzer for advancing his goal of streamlining government services with the creation of this interagency council.
We look forward to his leadership taking us further down the road of independence for all New Yorkers.