Abinanti Calls for a New New York Commitment to People with Special Needs

Tarrytown, NY - On the eve of a new legislative session, Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant) is calling on the State of New York to reaffirm its commitment to helping the state’s most vulnerable population – people with special needs.

“My vision for 2014 is that the State of New York will recognize that people with special needs have the same rights as everyone else to an appropriate education, adequate health care, reasonable employment opportunities, affordable housing and a good quality of life,” said Assemblyman Abinanti. “With a little more assistance to accommodate their differing abilities, people with special needs can live fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. Unfortunately, several state actions in 2013 raised questions about the state’s commitment to give that assistance.”

Abinanti wants the state to implement a broad “Bill of Rights” for people across the entire spectrum of the special needs population: education (sufficient state funding for special education); health care (restore early intervention, require broader insurance company reimbursements); housing and daily living assistance (increased number and adequate funding for facilities, better staff training); jobs (job training and incentives for hiring); and fair and dignified treatment (appropriate first responder training).

“I hope to hear at the beginning of the legislative session a new New York commitment to people with special needs,” said the Westchester Assemblyman.