New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05020

Introduced
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  

Caption

Establishes a co-navigation services program for persons who are deaf-blind to provide services to a person who is deaf-blind that assist the person to physically access the person's environment and to make informed decisions, including providing visual and environmental information or sighted guide services and assisting with communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred language and communication mode of the person who is deaf-blind.

Summary

Bill A05020 proposes the establishment of a co-navigation services program specifically designed for individuals who are deaf-blind. The program aims to provide essential services that assist these individuals in accessing their environments and making informed decisions. Services include offering visual and environmental information, sighted guide services, and communication assistance tailored to the individual's preferred communication mode. The bill outlines the roles of co-navigators, who are specially trained individuals that will provide these services, and establishes a reimbursement structure for their work based on their training and skills.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend the social services law to create a new framework for supporting deaf-blind individuals in New York. It would introduce a structured program within social services districts, ensuring that co-navigation services are available and financially supported. The implementation of this program could lead to improved accessibility and quality of life for deaf-blind individuals, while also establishing standards and training for co-navigators, thereby enhancing the overall service delivery in this area.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05020 appears to be positive, as it addresses a significant gap in services for the deaf-blind community. Discussions likely emphasize the importance of accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities, though specific committee discussions and voting history are not available to provide further insights into the overall legislative sentiment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the funding and sustainability of the program, particularly in terms of how the reimbursement rates for co-navigators will be structured and whether the program can secure additional funding sources beyond state allocations. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the adequacy of training for co-navigators and the effectiveness of the proposed monitoring and compliance measures.

Companion Bills

NY S03743

Same As Establishes a co-navigation services program for persons who are deaf-blind to provide services to a person who is deaf-blind that assist the person to physically access the person's environment and to make informed decisions, including providing visual and environmental information or sighted guide services and assisting with communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred language and communication mode of the person who is deaf-blind.

Previously Filed As

NY S02503

Establishes a co-navigation services program for persons who are deaf-blind to provide services to a person who is deaf-blind that assist the person to physically access the person's environment and to make informed decisions, including providing visual and environmental information or sighted guide services and assisting with communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred language and communication mode of the person who is deaf-blind.

NY S03743

Establishes a co-navigation services program for persons who are deaf-blind to provide services to a person who is deaf-blind that assist the person to physically access the person's environment and to make informed decisions, including providing visual and environmental information or sighted guide services and assisting with communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred language and communication mode of the person who is deaf-blind.

NY HB2180

Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.

NY SB46

Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.

NY HB05487

An Act Establishing An American Sign Language Education Working Group And Increasing State Assistance For Persons Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired And Deaf.

NY S2118

Increasing government accessibility for persons who are blind or visually impaired

NY SB326

Handicapped Persons; a program for support service providers to assist blind and deaf-blind individuals in navigating employment and higher education opportunities; provide

NY HR61

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Health Care Setting Communication Needs Of, And Develop Guidelines For, Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind.

NY HCR67

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Health Care Setting Communication Needs Of, And Develop Guidelines For, Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind.

NY HB645

Relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to individuals who are deaf-blind.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.