Mercedes Narcisse
0:04:17
Good afternoon everyone.
0:04:19
I am council member Mercedes Narcisse, chair of the committee on hospitals.
0:04:25
I'd like to start by extending my thanks to Chili and the committee on mental health disabilities and addiction for convening this hearing so that we can discuss the city's effort to improve accessibility for New Yorkers and most importantly thank you for the panelists that's here present.
0:04:43
The most recently available data indicates that eleven percent or one million New Yorkers live with disability.
0:04:53
Of those one million individuals, approximately six hundred thousand people experience ambulatory or mobility related disabilities, yet many of New Yorkers has New York City's hospital facilities were built before the passage of the American the Disabilities Act and do not meet current accessibility standards.
0:05:18
This means there are six hundred thousand New Yorkers who may inadvertently face obstacles in receiving the healthcare they need and they deserve.
0:05:29
Like my colleagues just said, we're not pointing fingers, we're just trying to make sure the people that need the help, deserve can get it.
0:05:39
Even in facilities without updated infrastructures, patient often face inaccessibility exam tables, signages and diagnostic equipment.
0:05:51
Moreover, studies show that inaccessibility of healthcare provider facilities causes worse health outcomes for patients with disabilities.
0:06:03
As a registered nurse, I know firsthand that accessibility particularly in medical spaces is absolutely necessary for maintaining the health of our community members living with a disability and the collective health of our city.
0:06:22
While we still have much to do, we are encouraged by the changes we have seen in healthcare spaces across the city.
0:06:32
There are several renovation projects taking place as we speak and we look forward to hearing from the administration today about their progress.
0:06:43
This committee and this council are committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from receiving appropriate medical care due to their disability.
0:06:58
We'll continue to invest in our healthcare facilities and work with H and H, DOHMH, and MOPD to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities and seek to provide a credible medical care for all New Yorkers across our city.
0:07:20
Before we begin, I'd like to thank the committee staff, senior legislative counsel Ria Ogasawara and policy analyst Josh Newman for their hard work in preparing for this hearing.
0:07:34
I also would like to thank my staff, chief of staff Saeed Joseph, deputy chief Frank Shea, and Stephanie Lynn, my scheduler, and of course Irina Clever, the Director of Constituent Services for their hard work as we continue to serve the City Council and our constituents.
0:07:53
Before I rest, I want to say rest in peace, mean the Pope Francis and all my Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, you have an angel above.
