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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Commissioner Christina Curry's testimony on healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities
0:09:01
ยท
3 min
Commissioner Christina Curry of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) testifies on the challenges faced by New Yorkers with disabilities in accessing healthcare and the efforts being made to improve accessibility and equity in city healthcare programs and services. She acknowledges progress made by city partners while emphasizing the need for continued improvement and collaboration.
- Highlights challenges such as physically inaccessible exam rooms, communication barriers, and lack of culturally competent care
- Mentions initiatives like ASL interpretation integration, digital accessibility improvements, and disability awareness training
- Emphasizes MOPD's commitment to supporting agency partners and serving as a bridge between government and the disability community
Christina Curry
0:09:01
Good afternoon, I am Commissioner Christina Curry, Mayor's Office People with Disabilities.
0:09:08
So good afternoon Chair Narcisse, Chair Lee, and members of the Committee on Hospitals and Committee on Mental Health Disabilities and Addiction.
0:09:20
Thank you for holding this important hearing.
0:09:26
It would be nice if I put my glasses on right.
0:09:30
I am joined by Emily Sweet, General Counsel at MLPD, as well as from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, DOHMH, Julie Friesen, Deputy Commissioner of Administration.
0:09:45
From Health and Hospitals, H and H, we have Iveless Mendez Justiniano, Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer and Manny Saez, Vice President of Facilities.
0:10:03
I come to this work not only as a public servant but also as a member of the disability community.
0:10:11
At MOPD our vision is for all city programs and services including healthcare to be accessible and equitable for the nearly one million New Yorkers living with disabilities.
0:10:26
We know that for many in our community accessing healthcare remains a challenge.
0:10:33
These challenges range from physically inaccessible exam rooms and diagnostic equipment to communication barriers and a lack of culturally competent care.
0:10:46
We appreciate that our city partners at Health and Hospitals and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are actively engaging on these issues.
0:11:01
We have seen meaningful steps to address facility access, integrate ASL interpretation into appointments and expand on digital accessibility for telehealth platforms and develop disability awareness training all of which are still in progress.
0:11:22
We also recognize that the lived experience of many New Yorkers with disabilities reveal where the gaps remain.
0:11:31
They point to a broader need for sustained attention and systemic improvement.
0:11:38
MOPD stands ready to support our agency partners in advancing solutions whether through technical assistance or ongoing trainings.
0:11:49
We are committed to serving as a bridge between government systems and the disability community.
0:11:56
Ensuring that people with disabilities are not only included in conversations about healthcare but centered in how we design and deliver care across the city.
0:12:09
Let me close with a reminder of a powerful motto from the disability community, nothing about us without us.
0:12:20
Thank you again for your leadership on this important issue.
0:12:24
On behalf of myself and my colleagues from NYC Health and Hospitals and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we welcome your questions and look forward to our continued partnership.
0:12:37
Thank you.