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New York City Council
Committee on Civil and Human Rights
May 09, 2025
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 57 min
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Summary
A hearing on supporting New York City small businesses' compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local accessibility laws.
Discussions focused on:
- Challenges faced by small businesses in meeting accessibility requirements
- Concerns about predatory lawsuits
- Proposed legislation to provide support through education, legal assistance, and funding for accessibility improvements
Three bills were discussed:
- Intro 282 (establishing a fund for accessibility improvements
- Intro 639 (requiring training on workplace accessibility)
- Intro 1260 (expanding legal services for accessibility compliance)
Features testimony from the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), Department of Small Business Services (SBS), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Nantasha Williams opens joint hearing on supporting small businesses' accessibility compliance
Council Member Nantasha Williams, chair of the committee on civil and human rights, delivers opening remarks for a joint hearing with the committee on small business. She emphasizes the importance …
0:00:35
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170 sec
Council Member Oswald Feliz opens joint hearing on small business accessibility compliance
Council Member Oswald Feliz, chair of the committee on small business, opens a joint hearing with the committee on civil and human rights regarding small businesses' compliance with the Americans …
0:03:25
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4 min
Council Member Julie Menin discusses Intro 282 and small business accessibility challenges
Council Member Julie Menin presents her bill, Intro 282, which aims to create a fund for loans or grants to help small businesses and landlords make storefronts more accessible. She …
0:07:52
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151 sec
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse advocates for supporting small businesses in ADA compliance
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses in complying with accessibility laws, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the challenges faced by …
0:10:38
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115 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses small business accessibility and proposed legislation
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams discusses the importance of small businesses in New York City's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses the challenges faced by people with disabilities in employment. …
0:12:42
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144 sec
Introduction and overview of the NYC Commission on Human Rights
JoAnn Kamuf Ward, Deputy Commissioner for Policy and External Affairs at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, introduces herself and provides an overview of the agency's role in ensuring New …
0:16:04
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77 sec
Overview of NYC Human Rights Law and disability protections
The NYC Human Rights Law aims to achieve independent and equal access to all aspects of city life for people with disabilities, requiring reasonable accommodations from covered entities. - The …
0:17:21
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32 sec
CCHR's outreach and education initiatives on disability rights
The NYC Commission on Human Rights conducts extensive outreach and education initiatives to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. - CCHR offers trainings on disability protections, reaching over …
0:17:53
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100 sec
Disability definitions and protections under NYC Human Rights Law
The NYC Human Rights Law provides broad protections for individuals with disabilities, covering various types of impairments and prohibiting discrimination in multiple areas of city life. - Disability is defined …
0:19:33
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52 sec
Reasonable accommodations in public places under NYC Human Rights Law
The NYC Human Rights Law requires public accommodations to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure full and independent access for people with disabilities. - Accommodations may include accessible seating and tables, …
0:20:26
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31 sec
Reasonable accommodations in employment under NYC Human Rights Law
The NYC Human Rights Law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. - Accommodations may include schedule adjustments, equipment changes, communication …
0:20:58
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22 sec
CCHR's enforcement of disability protections
The NYC Commission on Human Rights actively enforces disability protections through various means, including complaint handling, testing, and proactive initiatives. - In fiscal year 2024, CCHR received hundreds of disability-related …
0:21:20
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70 sec
Conclusion and CCHR's commitment to accessibility
JoAnn Kamuf Ward concludes her testimony by reaffirming the NYC Commission on Human Rights' commitment to ensuring accessibility and equal rights for New Yorkers with disabilities. - CCHR is dedicated …
0:22:31
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13 sec
Council Member Williams questions NYC Commission on Human Rights about disability-related inquiries and trends
Council Member Nantasha Williams engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the NYC Commission on Human Rights, focusing on disability-related inquiries, complaints, and trends. The discussion covers recent data …
0:22:51
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7 min
Council Member Julie Menin questions agencies on ADA compliance challenges for small businesses
Council Member Julie Menin leads a Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Small Business Services and the NYC Commission on Human Rights regarding ADA compliance issues facing small …
0:30:16
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4 min
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse questions agencies on language accessibility and small business support
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the NYC Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Small Business Services. She inquires about the languages …
0:35:16
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4 min
Council Member Bottcher inquires about predatory ADA compliance lawsuits against small businesses
Council Member Erik Bottcher raises concerns about predatory lawsuits targeting small businesses for ADA violations, often resulting in quick cash settlements. Haris Khan from the Department of Small Business Services …
0:39:56
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161 sec
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions SBS on autism accessibility, immigrant communities, and equitable fund distribution
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) on various topics related to small businesses and accessibility. The …
0:43:00
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4 min
Council Member Feliz inquires about ADA compliance for small businesses
Council Member Oswald Feliz opens by thanking colleagues and agency representatives for their work on accessibility issues. He then directs a question to the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) …
0:47:30
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34 sec
SBS outlines their approach to addressing ADA compliance issues
Haris Khan, Acting Chief of Staff at the Department of Small Business Services, explains how SBS handles ADA compliance issues when interacting with small businesses. He describes their process of …
0:48:04
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27 sec
Discussion on common ADA rules and compliance challenges for small businesses
Council Member Feliz inquires about the most common ADA rules that small businesses struggle with, and Haris Khan from SBS provides insights on the varied challenges businesses face regarding ADA …
0:48:32
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86 sec
CCHR's perspective on common accessibility issues for small businesses
JoAnn Kamuf Ward, Deputy Commissioner for Policy and External Affairs at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, shares insights on common accessibility issues faced by small businesses under the city's …
0:49:59
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112 sec
SBS discusses proactive measures to address accessibility issues
Council Member Feliz inquires about proactive measures taken by SBS or CCHR to mitigate accessibility issues for small business owners. Haris Khan from SBS explains their approach to addressing these …
0:51:51
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52 sec
SBS outlines financial assistance available for improving accessibility
Council Member Feliz inquires about financial assistance provided by SBS to help businesses improve accessibility. Haris Khan from SBS describes the lending programs available to small businesses. - SBS has …
0:52:44
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52 sec
Council Member Feliz questions SBS on small business support and accessibility compliance
Council Member Oswald Feliz engages in a detailed Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) regarding various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses …
0:53:36
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7 min
Council member inquires about cross-agency collaboration on accessibility issues
Council Member Nantasha Williams initiates a discussion about cross-agency collaboration on accessibility issues, particularly focusing on how CCHR works with SBS and MOPD. She expresses interest in understanding how well …
1:01:08
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44 sec
CCHR's outreach and education efforts with SBS and MOPD
JoAnn Kamuf Ward, Deputy Commissioner for Policy and External Affairs at CCHR, discusses the commission's outreach and education efforts in collaboration with SBS and MOPD. She emphasizes the strong relationships …
1:01:53
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94 sec
Practical aspects of interagency coordination on outreach
Council Member Williams inquires about the practical aspects of interagency coordination, particularly how information is shared and how agencies proactively collaborate. JoAnn Kamuf Ward from CCHR explains the sometimes messy …
1:03:29
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106 sec
SBS's methods for disseminating information and referrals
Kitty Chan, Deputy Commissioner of Business Services at SBS, explains the department's methods for disseminating information and handling referrals. She emphasizes the importance of educating staff and using various communication …
1:05:15
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62 sec
Project Equal Access and pre-complaint intervention
Michael Griffin, Policy Counsel at NYC Commission on Human Rights, explains Project Equal Access and its role in pre-complaint intervention for accessibility issues. He outlines the scope and focus of …
1:06:17
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87 sec
CCHR's work with other agencies on accessibility compliance
Michael Griffin from CCHR explains how the agency works with other city departments to help small business owners comply with accessibility standards. He emphasizes that the approach is case-specific and …
1:07:46
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93 sec
Challenges in interagency coordination and referrals
Council Member Williams inquires about the challenges in interagency coordination and referral processes, particularly with agencies where CCHR may not have as strong a relationship. She emphasizes the importance of …
1:09:20
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76 sec
CCHR's interaction with Department of Buildings on accessibility issues
JoAnn Kamuf Ward explains CCHR's interaction with the Department of Buildings (DOB) on accessibility issues, particularly in the context of requiring businesses to make physical modifications for accessibility. She outlines …
1:10:37
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97 sec
Updates to CCHR's legal enforcement guidance on disability discrimination
JoAnn Kamuf Ward discusses the updates to CCHR's legal enforcement guidance on discrimination against people with disabilities in housing, employment, and places of accommodation. She explains the frequency and nature …
1:12:15
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65 sec
Recent legislation on height and weight discrimination
Council Member Williams inquires about the recently passed legislation on height and weight discrimination, asking about its implementation and any complaints received so far. JoAnn Kamuf Ward provides a brief …
1:13:23
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31 sec
MyCity accessibility compliance web page launch and outreach
Council Member Feliz inquires about the MyCity accessibility compliance web page, which was refreshed in January 2025. Haris Khan from SBS explains their efforts to promote the page and its …
1:13:57
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52 sec
Tax incentives for business accessibility improvements
Council Member Feliz inquires about the steps taken to inform businesses about tax incentives for improving accessibility. Haris Khan from SBS outlines the various ways they provide this information. - …
1:14:51
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56 sec
Interagency coordination on ADA matters for small businesses
Council Member Feliz inquires about the coordination between SBS, CCHR, and MOPD regarding ADA matters and accessibility compliance for small businesses. Haris Khan from SBS describes the extensive collaboration between …
1:15:49
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91 sec
Status of the Empowering Accessibility Resource Guide
Council Member Feliz inquires about the status of the Empowering Accessibility Resource Guide launched in 2019. Haris Khan from SBS clarifies that the guide has been incorporated into the current …
1:17:28
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38 sec
Financial funding distribution for accessibility improvements
Council Member Feliz inquires about entities SBS has worked with to distribute funding for accessibility-related loans and grants. Haris Khan from SBS provides limited information on this topic. - SBS …
1:18:08
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40 sec
Promotion of the Commercial Lease Assistance program
Council Member Feliz inquires about how the Commercial Lease Assistance (CLA) program is advertised to small business owners. Haris Khan from SBS describes the various ways they promote this popular …
1:19:04
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51 sec
Council Member Feliz questions agencies on small business accessibility programs
Council Member Oswald Feliz questions representatives from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) about various programs and initiatives related to small …
1:20:02
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6 min
Council member inquires about forgivable loan programs for small businesses
Council Member Nantasha Williams raises questions about the possibility of making SBS loan programs forgivable, similar to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for student loans. She suggests that after …
1:26:39
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90 sec
SBS explains legal assistance offerings for small businesses
SBS representatives detail the types of legal assistance they provide to small businesses, including help with commercial leases, entity formation, and free legal consultations through their Business Solutions Center network. …
1:28:10
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140 sec
SBS details partnerships with legal service providers for small business assistance
SBS representatives explain their partnerships with various legal service providers to offer assistance to small businesses, including referrals for those facing litigation. - SBS works with nearly 40 organizations that …
1:30:35
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5 min
Council member probes SBS's referral system and accountability measures
Council Member Williams questions SBS about their referral system for legal assistance and the accountability measures in place for their partnerships with legal service providers. - SBS has formal partnerships …
1:36:05
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4 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of the proposed bills while also calling for the refund of a political donation from a lawyer involved in ADA lawsuits. He expresses concern …
1:46:34
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140 sec
Testimony by Jonathan Hanon, Member of MTA's Advisory Committee on Transit Accessibility
Jonathan Hanon, a resident of Inwood with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, testified about accessibility issues in small businesses and their impact on both patrons and employees with disabilities. He highlighted problems …
1:49:48
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115 sec
Testimony by Kathleen Collins, Attorney and Person with a Disability
Kathleen Collins, an attorney and person with a disability, provided critical feedback on the proposed bills related to ADA compliance for small businesses. She expressed concerns about the implementation of …
1:51:55
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124 sec
Testimony by Jessica Walker, President and CEO of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce on Small Business Accessibility Compliance
Jessica Walker, representing the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of proposed legislation to help small businesses comply with accessibility laws. She shared a personal story of a small …
1:54:12
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122 sec