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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Evan Yankey, Advocacy Director of Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled
1:19:17
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164 sec
Evan Yankey, representing the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, testified about the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing healthcare in New York City. He urged the City Council to pass legislation requiring independent accessibility reviews of NYC Health + Hospitals facilities and to address various accessibility issues.
- Called for legislation to mandate independent accessibility reviews of NYC Health + Hospitals, including physical and communication barriers
- Highlighted issues such as poorly accessible buildings, inadequate ASL interpretation, inaccessible forms and websites, and poorly trained medical personnel
- Advocated for the establishment of an Office of the Patient Advocate and opposed rules that would prevent people with disabilities from using masks
Evan Yankey
1:19:17
My name is Evan advocacy director for Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, disability led independent living center promoting the rights of New Yorkers to live in the community since 1956.
1:19:28
We are pleased this committee is holding this hearing today and giving the current state of health care access for patients with disabilities the consideration it deserves.
1:19:35
People with disabilities in our city's health care system face many barriers to equal access, support, and care.
1:19:40
While some of them, including the MTA and the city's shortfall in providing fully accessible transit, fall outside the immediate purview of your committee, the council as a whole can play a crucial role in advocating for them.
1:19:52
We urge the council to pass legislation that will require an independent accessibility review of New York City health and hospitals, including physical and communication barriers with additional requirements that set specific targets for elimination of those barriers.
1:20:06
Currently, New Yorkers with disabilities, many of whom depend on New York City H and H, face physical barriers, including poorly accessible buildings.
1:20:15
Communications barriers, including sketchy availability of ASL interpretation, limited availability of plain language and easy read formats, and inaccessible forms and websites.
1:20:26
Inno flexible office procedures that don't take into account their disabilities, and poorly trained doctors, other medical personnel, and other employees who discriminate against them because of their disabilities in part because of inadequate training.
1:20:38
None of these barriers are immutable.
1:20:41
An independent review would start New York City health and hospitals on the way to real accessibility for disabled New Yorkers, especially if there are goals set to change the situation.
1:20:49
As part of the independent review or separate layer, require the city to hire an independent assessor to examine health and hospital facilities for diagnostic equipment.
1:20:59
Additionally, passed legislation and funding designated for the training of New York City Health And Hospital Staff in regular in-depth training led by disability organizations.
1:21:10
And also, legislation to establish an office of the patient advocate, which would make certain that these reviews and changes receive appropriate follow through.
1:21:18
Whether or not the legislation moves forward, the council itself should use this hearing to launch its own investigation of these barriers, including at private institutions.
1:21:27
Other priorities include opposing rules that would prevent people with disabilities or anyone else from using masks.
1:21:34
Laws that criminalize masks will subject people with disabilities to undue scrutiny and risk of negative interactions with police, first responders, and vigilante citizens opposed to mask wearing.
1:21:44
Support smarter responses to mental health emergencies, work to preserve remote options, and oppose the closure or reduction of services in safety net hospitals.
1:21:53
We've sent our testimony to the sergeant at arms, and we're happy to answer any questions or respond afterwards.
1:22:00
Thanks for this hearing.
Linda Lee
1:22:01
Thank you.