
New State of State initiatives aim to expand support for persons with disabilities

STATEWIDE — PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES will benefit from several new initiatives that Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday during her State of the State address. The governor’s proposals will increase support for New Yorkers with disabilities in the health care system, in the workplace and through expanded advanced research opportunities.
One of these initiatives is the funding of regional clinics that will specialize in care for people with developmental disabilities. A $75 million investment will modernize the Institute for Basic Research on Staten Island (part of the state’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities), establishing a Genomics Core Facility to identify genetic causes of developmental disabilities and enhancing treatment and understanding of related health issues.
Another initiative will expand the NYS Tax Credit from $2,100 to $5,000 for businesses that hire people with disabilities and simplify the application process. Additionally, wheelchair access will be enhanced for Medicaid members by increasing rates for clinical specialty evaluation for new wheelchairs, as well as expanding coverage for repairs of power chairs and of maintenance for wheelchairs.
A localized ASL interpreter fellowship pilot program will also be developed, to increase the number of successful and skilled New York ASL interpreters. This pilot program will partner experienced ASL interpreter mentors with new ASL interpreter fellows.
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