NY Initiative

2007, 2008 and 2009 Resolutions

In New York State, representatives from People Inc. and the Museum of disABILITY History worked with Assemblymember Mark Schroeder of Buffalo in proposing legislation establishing the third week in October as Disability History Week. Assemblymember Schroeder’s resolution was passed in the New York State Assembly. Senator Joe Robach of Rochester sponsored the legislation in the NYS Senate where it passed on June 19, 2007, marking New York’s first designated Disability History Week. Resolutions were subsequently passed during the 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions. 

2010 Legislation

In April 2010, Assemblymember Schroeder introduced two pieces of Disability History legislation. A.10852 and A.10853, respectively relating to disability history instruction in NYS schools and to the permanent designation of a Disability History Week. On May 17,2010 an amended version of the bill (A.10853A) declaring October 18th as Disabilities History Day passed in the Assembly. Senate companion bills were subsequently introduced by Senator Stachowski from WNY. S.7930 related to disability history instruction & was referred to the Education Committee. S.7931 served to designate October 18th as Disabilities History Day and was passed in the Senate on June 10, 2010. The Disabilities History Day bill was signed into law by Governor David Paterson on July 21, 2010! Supporters are planning on reintroducing legislation bringing disability history instruction to NYS schools in the 2011 session.

Celebrate NYS Disability History Week October 17-23, 2010 !

Supporters of the NYS Disability History Week initiative:


For more information on the NYS Disability History Week initiative, please contact:

Catherine Herrick
People Inc./Museum of disABILITY History
280 Spindrift Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone (716) 817-9291
E-mail: cherrick@people-inc.org

You may also sign-on as a Disability History Week supporter:

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How to do it in your state.

With the growing need for a Disability History Week across the country; we have compiled the tools to help you develop the legislation in your state. If you have any other questions please let us know.

 

National Disability History Week initiative 8-5-09

Disability advocates across the country are mobilizing to help create understanding and celebrate the history of individuals with disabilities! Since West Virginia passed the first…

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Riverside Elementary Class promoting NYS DHW 5-14-09

A third grade class at Riverside Elementary School has been collaborating with the Catskill Center for Independence in finding ways to promote disability awareness in their school. This…

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NYS Disability History Curriculum is now available! 11-19-08

The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to announce that lesson plans as well as supplemental information are now available! These can be found through the Teacher Resources section of…

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Legislative Updates


New York State

Updated: 7-23-10


California

Updated: 7-13-10


Virginia

Updated: 6-17-10


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