Winter 2008

New York amends human rights law

Effective Jan. 1, New York State law became more compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act under Title III. Human rights law, which is New York Executive Law S. 296, was amended to ensure that protections for public accommodations parallel Title III of the ADA.

Previously, New York law outlawed discrimination based on disability but did not “require public accommodations to make reasonable accommodations or remove architectural barriers,” according to the Disability Compliance Bulletin of Sept. 13, 2007.

There will be remedies for discrimination based on disability under state law. Also the New York State Division of Human Rights will now be empowered to look into claims of disability discrimination. An attorney can be provided for the complainant in state court if there is probable cause that a violation of law occurred.

Music lovers Rejoice!

If you enjoy attending concerts at Lincoln Center, here’s music to your ears: The Lincoln Center campus is being redeveloped to ensure accessibility, particularly on West 65th Street and the Lincoln Center Promenade. Assistance was provided from the United Spinal Association, which advocates for people with disabilities, the Department of Programs and Services for People with Disabilities (PSPD) at Lincoln Center under the outstanding leadership of Ms. Bobbi Wailes, and the Lincoln Center Redevelopment team.(From the Spring/Summer 2007 publication of PSPD)

Alice Tully Hall is being redesigned to provide greatly enhanced access for people with disabilities. “Expanded wheelchair and companion seating will be added throughout the orchestra and balcony levels of the concert hall; new wheelchair-accessible elevators will serve both audience members and performers; new entrances and restrooms, the greenroom, and the patron salon will be fully accessible; and lobbies and backstage areas will include extensive wheelchair ramping.” (Spring/Summer 2007 PSPD)

Lincoln Center also provides services and programs for people with disabilities such as listening devices for people with hearing impairments, large-print and Braille concert programs and outreach programs that include special performances for children with disabilities and their parents and residents of hospitals and nursing homes. Contact PSPD, Lincoln Center, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6583, or telephone 212-875-5374.

Click here for updates on Lincoln Center’s renovations and how this affects accessibility.