Establishes the commission of the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing; requires the commission of the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to transmit complaints in matters affecting the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities to the vulnerable persons' central register; repeals provisions relating to the New York state interagency coordinating council for services to persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
Bill S03138 establishes a new Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing in New York State, aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of these communities. The commission will consist of nine voting members and three non-voting members, including individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, as well as professionals in related fields. The commission is tasked with advising the governor and legislature on effective strategies to meet the needs of these populations, creating a statewide plan for coordinated services, and ensuring accessibility in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and employment.
The bill will amend the executive law and social services law, establishing a formal body to advocate for and support the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. It will replace the existing interagency coordinating council with the new commission, which will have the authority to collect data, develop policies, and coordinate with other state agencies to improve services. This change aims to enhance the representation and support for these communities in state governance and service delivery.
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03138 appears to be largely positive, as it seeks to create a dedicated body to address the unique challenges faced by the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing populations. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the commission's recommendations and the adequacy of funding and resources to support its initiatives.
Notable points of contention may arise around the representation within the commission, particularly regarding the selection process of its members and the balance of voices from the communities it serves. Some advocates may argue for more direct representation from individuals with lived experiences, while others may focus on the qualifications of appointed professionals. Additionally, the effectiveness of the commission in translating its recommendations into actionable policies may also be a topic of debate.