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NYS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
SYSTEMS CHANGE OUTCOME INVENTORY
OCTOBER 1, 2007 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

Center	EDUCATION ADVOCACY SYSTEMS CHANGE
AUBURN	South Seneca Central School District established a yearly Transition Fair as part of its curriculum to assist students with disabilities in their transition from high school to work and/or college.
BATAVIA	Center's Executive Director joined the Genesee Community College in Batavia Perkins III Grant Committee, which oversees programs to develop more fully the academic, vocational, and technical skills of secondary and post-secondary students who elect to enroll in vocational technical education programs
BINGHAMTON	Johnson City School District changed its practices to regularly conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and implement Behavior Intervention Plan to address behavior issues before considering placement in more restrictive environment.
BINGHAMTON	Center was approved for funding by the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) Broome Developmental Disabilities Service Office (DDSO) for a Family Support Services Grant to provide assistance to develop positive behavioral interventions for children with significant behavior issues.
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the Oak Tree Program Transition Work Group. The Program serves students age 5-21 who have been diagnosed with autism and is conducted through the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the Regional Advisory Council for the South Central Regional Information Center, which addresses the use of technology within teaching and learning and is affiliated with the Otsego-Northern Catskills (ONC) and Delaware-Chenango-Madison- Otsego (DCMO) Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).
BINGHAMTON	Maine-Endwell School District changed its practices to regularly conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and implement Behavior Intervention Plan to address behavior issues before considering placement in more restrictive environment.
BINGHAMTON	Windsor School District changed its practices to regularly conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and implement Behavior Intervention Plan to address behavior issues before considering placement in more restrictive environment.
BINGHAMTON	Binghamton School District changed its practices to regularly conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment and implement a Behavior Intervention Plan to address behavior issues before considering placement in more restrictive environment.
BINGHAMTON	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during July 2008 of NYS legislation, Assembly Bill 11463, that restores special educational services to homeschool students who desire to seek services through their local public school district.
BINGHAMTON	Union-Endicott School District changed its practices regarding the use of FM systems for children who are hearing impaired to regularly use them when appropriate, to properly maintain them, and to purchase new equipment where necessary.
BINGHAMTON	Maine-Endwell Central School District purchased voice-activated and text-reading software for the elementary school and established an agreement with the Center to provide training for faculty, therapists and other pertinent staff in the use of this equipment.
BINGHAMTON	Sidney Central School District now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
BRONX	Public school 210 Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School in Queens is now providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for parent/teacher meetings.
BROOKLYN	Clara Barton High school in Brooklyn established an agreement with the Center to conduct a Saturday workshop for parents of children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that includes training in the IEP process, parent advocacy, and networking opportunities.
CORNING	Southside High School, in Elmira, Committee on Special Education (CSE) changed its procedures to include the Center's Transition Coordinator in all transition planning activities.
CORNING	Broadway Middle School in Elmira changed its policies to include a disability awareness class on Deaf Culture with Disability Awareness in their yearly curriculum.
CORTLAND	Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES implemented a new policy to include the Center in its Agency Awareness Day program, which provides parents and students with agency linkages related to transition.
CORTLAND	Cortland Junior and Senior High School implemented a new policy to include the Center in its Agency Awareness Day program, which provides parents and students with agency linkages related to transition.
DELAWARE	Roxbury Central School added the Center to the list of available Individual Education Plan (IEP) resources it sends out to parents of students with disabilities.
DELAWARE	Riverside Elementary School in Oneonta purchased new cafeteria tables that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG); placed accessible signage to identify room numbers; adjusted the pull force of the interior doors to comply with ADAAG; and installed a door bell for the exterior doors due to the extreme force required to open them.
GLENS FALLS	Shenendehowa Central School District developed a brochure for transitioning students listing the Center as a resource, which is distributed to all transition age students with disabilities.
GLENS FALLS	Center Staff was appointed to the Glens Falls/South Glens Falls Transition Planning Committee.
GLENS FALLS	Aspire Program, a private integrated preschool in Glens Falls, was developed and approved by the NYS Education Department. The school serves children with developmental, learning, and emotional disorders.
HARLEM	Baruch College in New York City, part of City University of New York (CUNY), now provides college related closed/open captioned DVDs for deaf/hearing impaired students. Also, College events aired on a local cable access show are available online with closed captioning.
HERKIMER	Mohawk Central School District's Special Education Department changed its procedures to include the Center in the agency linkage resource list that is sent out to all transition age students and their parents as part of the transition process.
JAMESTOWN	Jamestown High School changed its procedures to incorporate the NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) application into the Transition Plans of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in special education and a 504 plan in a regular education setting.
JAMESTOWN	Erie #2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) incorporated a yearly Transition Fair into its curriculum.
JAMESTOWN	Center is a member of the Erie #2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) Transition Committee.
MANHATTAN	NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) changed service policy 421.00 Youth in School - Transition Planning and Services Policy (August 2008) to state the vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor, as an active participant in the student's transition planning process, when advising students, parents and school staff of community resources is to include independent living centers (ILCs).
MANHATTAN	Center's work with the NYS Education Department (NYSED) on a proposed Request For Proposal (RFP) to address components of the program that affect people with disabilities resulted in RFP #08-024 to establish the Regional Adult Education Network (RAEN) System including the requirement that a project must include disability awareness training as part of the basic skill set required of project staff. The goal of the RAEN System is to provide staff development resources to improve the skills of adult education practitioners and to improve the quality of the adult education and family literacy programs funded by NYSED.
MASSENA	State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam improved the access of Drame Hall, the freshman dormitory, by making the bathroom fully accessible to accommodate all students who are disabled.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Minisink Valley Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Executive Board's Learning Diversities Committee that is affiliated with the Minisink Valley Central School District.
MIDDLETOWN	Pine Bush Central School District changed its practices to contact parents in a timely manner to identify dates and times for upcoming Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings that will allow parents to attend the meetings scheduled during the school/work day.
NEWBURGH	Woodbourne Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD) Center, a seasonal program serving Sullivan County, now includes information about the ILI operated Mid-Hudson Region Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) in community resource materials given to parents.
NEWBURGH	Florida Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD) Center, a year round program serving Orange County, now includes information about the ILI operated Mid-Hudson Region Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) in community resource materials given to parents.
NEWBURGH	New Paltz Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD) Center, a year round program serving Ulster County, now includes information about the ILI operated Mid-Hudson Region Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) in community resource materials given to parents.
OLEAN	East View elementary School in Olean incorporated the Center's anti-bullying program, "McGruff Bullying Training", into its student curriculum.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Florida Union Free School District now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Mid-Hudson Teacher Center, State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Goshen Central School District now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Highland Central School District now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Brewster Central School District now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
PUTNAM	Center's Educational Advocacy Coordinator is a member of the Putnam Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) Board of Directors.
QUEENS	NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) changed service policy 421.00 Youth in School - Transition Planning and Services Policy (August 2008) to state the vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor, as an active participant in the student's transition planning process, when advising students, parents and school staff of community resources is to include independent living centers (ILCs).
QUEENS	Collaborative funding application with Francis Lewis High School and PSQ811 in Queens to the NYS Department of Education was approved for a Model Transition Program (MTP) grant to improve the services available through the vocational rehabilitation system to help high school students move into post-secondary education and other job training opportunities that can lead to employment.
ROCHESTER	Center's funding application to establish the Spina Bifida Resource Center (SBRC) was approved by the Family Consumer Council of the Finger Lakes Developmental disabilities Service Office (DDSO), NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). The SBRC provides educational materials and programs, support services and advocacy to assist individuals with spina bifida and their families.
ROCHESTER	St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo reversed its decision to dismiss a teacher who had strong sign language skills and was willing to put in extra hours to help the students and instead dismissed the school's Superintendent.
ROCHESTER	Gananda Central School District Committee on Special Education (CSE) changed its practices and now provides appropriate information to parents regarding reimbursement options for costs associated with psychological testing requested by the District to determine a student's educational accommodations.
STATEN ISLAND	Center was active in the regional effort that led to the successful settlement of the lawsuit L.V. et al. v. New York City Department of Education et al. that was brought by Advocates for Children of New York and the law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCloy. The class action lawsuit filed in 2003 challenged the systemic failure of the New York City Department of education (DOE) to timely and fully implement orders of impartial hearing officers assigned to resolve disputes over special education services. Under the settlement agreement, DOE agreed to comply with a series of benchmarks for implementation of orders going forward and that an independent Auditor would monitor its compliance with the benchmarks.
SUFFOLK	Center established a Youth Leadership Council comprised of students with varying disabilities from various school districts that meets monthly to address an array of disability issues in their schools.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serve on the Fallsburg Central School District Parents Advisory Group.
SYRACUSE	Center became a member of the Syracuse Joint School Construction Board to ensure accessibility improvements are included in the city school district renovation project.
UTICA	Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in Utica now provides sign language interpreters for its deaf students who are enrolled in the Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter, New York State Association for Retarded Children (NYSARC) sponsored program called "College-Works" that is held at MVCC.
WATERTOWN	Center staff was appointed to the Lewis County Children's Single Point of Access (SPOA) Committee, which is a NYS Office of Mental Health initiative.
WHITE PLAINS	Center was a catalyst for the Westchester Disability Advocacy Partnership submitting and being approved for a $5,000 grant to develop a guide on emergency preparedness in public schools for both parents of children with disabilities and schools.
WHITE PLAINS	Lois Bronz Children's Center in White Plains made improvements to create an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant new classroom to its facilities.

EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY 2007-2008

Center	EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY SYSTEMS CHANGE
ALBANY	Center established a written agreement with the Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute (RRTI) in Albany to be an Instructor for the Job Readiness and Support Training Program by conducting a six-week class as well as working with individual consumers. The program is underwritten by a grant from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
AMSTERDAM	Sears Appliance Outlet in Amsterdam changed its recruitment policies to hire persons who are disabled and have been convicted of a felony.
AMSTERDAM	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during August 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "Employer Education Act" that will insure that employers are aware of Correction Law Article 23-A, which states that an employer or licensing agency in New York State cannot have an across the board policy to discriminate against someone with a criminal background.
AMSTERDAM	Working Solutions One-Stop Center in Amsterdam changed its registration process to permit applications to be completed in advance offsite, which provides more employment opportunities for persons with significant disabilities as it alleviates stress and confusion during the process and allows more time for questions.
BINGHAMTON	Center is member of the Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC) Employment Work Group that is affiliated with NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).
BINGHAMTON	Center is member of the Staff Recruitment and Retention Workgroup of the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Committee, which works to improve the quality and stability of the direct service workforce.
BRONX	JC Penny department store corporate headquarters in Texas changed its recruitment policy from requiring all employment applicants to apply through the store's national website to providing a reasonable accommodation for persons who are disabled by permitting them to apply in person at local stores.
BUFFALO	Center is a member of Western New York Employment Consortium that is affiliated with Western New York Employment Office, which is an alliance of public and voluntary agencies working together to promote integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Niagara and Western New York region.
CORTLAND	Cortland Works Career Center (Cayuga-Cortland Counties One-Stop) made a policy change to include a Center developed and facilitated component relating to disability awareness and the independent living philosophy in its Summer Youth Employment Program Orientation.
DELAWARE	CDO Workforce One-Stop Career Center changed its practice and now allows the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) to participate in group information sessions and individual meetings at Otsego County One-Stop in Oneonta.
DELAWARE	CDO Workforce One-Stop Career Center changed its practice and now allows the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) to participate in group information sessions and individual meetings at the Delaware County One-Stop in Sidney.
DELAWARE	CDO Workforce One-Stop Career Center changed its practice and now allows the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) to participate in group information sessions and individual meetings at the Chenango County One-Stop in Norwich.
GLENS FALLS	Northeast Career Planning, Glens Falls Office, established an agreement with the Center to conduct monthly classes for residents of Washington County concerning benefit and entitlement programs and work incentives.
HARLEM	New York City Workforce 1 Career Center serving upper Manhattan changed its practices to increase the availability of sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
HARLEM	New York City Workforce 1 Career Center serving Hunts Point (South Bronx) changed its practices to increase the availability of sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
JAMESTOWN	Seneca Nation of Indians Cattaraugus Indian Reservation (acreage in Chautauqua County, contact office in Irving) moved the "Disability Employment Day" job fair held on the reservation from a location that was not accessible to an accessible location.
JAMESTOWN	Chautauqua Works One-Stop in Dunkirk moved to a fully accessible facility that is on a regular public bus route and provides better access to the partner agencies that have co-located in the facility.
LONG ISLAND	Massapequa Employment Center, a One-Stop and member of the Workforce Partnership a consortium of local governments funded by the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), installed a telecommunications device for the Deaf (TDD) to accommodate its consumers with hearing related disabilities.
MASSENA	Center was a catalyst for the Clinton County Department of Social Services to submit a funding application to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance that was approved to participate in the statewide Job Readiness and Support Training Program that assists people who have significant barriers to employment and are cycling on and off welfare by enhancing their job readiness skills.
MASSENA	Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute (RRTI) in Albany incorporated the Center's EMPOWER disability peer mentoring project into its Train-the-Instructor program that is part of the statewide Job Readiness and Support Training Program underwritten by a grant from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
NEWBURGH	Little Lambs Preschool in Washingtonville changed its hiring criteria so that people with disabilities can now fill job vacancies that were previously not available to them.
NEWBURGH	Brookside Tire and Auto in Washingtonville changed its hiring criteria so that people with disabilities can now fill job vacancies that were previously not available to them.
NEWBURGH	Pampered Pooch Salon and Day Care in Chester changed its hiring criteria so people with disabilities can fill job vacancies that were previously not available to them.
PLATTSBURGH	Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh incorporated the Center's series of three Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) trainings into its continuing education seminars that are offered each semester. Center's classes use materials from the Northeast ADA and IT Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, and two of the classes include substantial information on Title I of the ADA regarding Employment.
ROCKLAND	Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI) in Spring Valley now provides its employment application in large print to assist job applicants who are visually impaired and/or have a learning disability.
SULLIVAN	Center's efforts resulted in 1 consumer in Sullivan County being approved for services through the Medicaid Buy-In demonstrating local implementation of the program that extends Medicaid coverage to working people with disabilities.
UTICA	Howie's Newsstand in Utica changed its practices to permit a job coach on site for employees who are disabled, which allows them a greater opportunity to complete job responsibilities successfully.
UTICA	Center in collaboration with GroWest, Utica Neighborhood Revitalization Program, established the Utica Culinary Training Center (UCTC), which is a job re-entry program providing training in food preparation, life skills, finance and business skills. UCTC is located at the Center's building in Utica and funded through the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
WHITE PLAINS	Center established a written agreement with the Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute (RRTI) in Albany to be an Instructor for the Job Readiness and Support Training Program by conducting a six-week class as well as working with individual consumers. The program is underwritten by a grant from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
WHITE PLAINS	Center was approved for funding by Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health through its Prisoner Re-entry Program to assist individuals who have a history with the criminal justice system to successfully engage the vocational habilitation and re-socialization process on their re-entry into the community.
YONKERS	NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) now provides Request for Proposal (RFP) application forms in an accessible format for applicants who are blind or visually impaired.

HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

Center	HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY SYSTEMS
ALBANY	Center's Executive Director served on a Surrogate Decision Making panel established as a result of the Governor signing into law Chapter 262 of the Laws of 2008 which amended the Health Care Decisions Act (HCDA), Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA) section 1750-b to allow the Surrogate Decision Making Committee to make decisions regarding life sustaining treatment.
ALBANY	Center staff started serving on the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Speech Center (CASC) in Menands, which operates a clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of Speech, language and hearing disorders.
ALBANY	Center established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Concepts of Independent Choices in New York City and the Schenectady County Department of Social Services to establish a Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) Program that serves the County of Schenectady.
ALBANY	Center became a member of the Aging and Disability Network of Saratoga County, which is coordinated by Home Instead Senior Care a local network providing non-medical home care services.
AMSTERDAM	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during January 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "SHU (special housing units) Bill" that would amend the correction law and the mental hygiene law to provide for inmates with serious mental illness to go to residential mental health treatment units within prisons instead of being placed in solitary confinement.
AMSTERDAM	Fulton County Department of Social Services in Johnstown changed its practices to allow as many hours as needed of self-directed home health care to avoid placement in nursing homes.
AMSTERDAM	Montgomery County Department of Social Services in Fonda changed its practices to allow as many hours as needed of self-directed home health care to avoid placement in nursing homes.
AUBURN	Branches, a family wellness organization in Auburn, provided integrated classes for children with disabilities and their families and made the agency brochure available in both written (regular/large print) and CD-ROM formats.
AUBURN	Auburn Pediatrics reconfigured its waiting room area to make the space accessible for wheelchairs and installed push buttons on the exterior doors.
BATAVIA	Center's Administrative Assistant joined the Point of Entry committee of the Wyoming County NY Connects Office of Long-Term Care Service Options that is affiliated with Wyoming County Office for the Aging , Department of Social Services, and Department of Health.
BINGHAMTON	LaPorta and Associates PC in Johnson City now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
BINGHAMTON	As a result of the Center's participation on the Broome County Children's Mental Health Task Force, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton implemented a new program to train and certify Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners to increase the availability of psychiatric/evaluation services for children with disabilities.
BINGHAMTON	Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that established a new Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Discount Card Program that makes existing EPIC drug discounts available to financially vulnerable uninsured individuals, regardless of age. The average discount will be over 25%, making prescriptions more affordable for persons who are disabled and do not have drug coverage.
BINGHAMTON	Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that stopped the "sunset" of the NYS Department of Health Care at Home (CAH) Medicaid Waiver Program that serves children with disabilities with long-term care needs. The legislation included the following changes: eliminated the 30 day institutional stay eligibility requirements for CAH programs I and II that provide in-home services so families can bring children with physical disabilities home from the hospital or nursing facility; eliminated the requirement that children must first be ineligible for Medicaid to be eligible for CAH; eliminated the program slot limit; and included hospice and palliative care services in the benefit package.
BINGHAMTON	Broome Developmental Center (BDC) in Binghamton changed its practices and now invites advocates to all Comprehensive Functional Assessment (CFA) and 90-day review meetings.
BINGHAMTON	Governor vetoed bill A395/S6385 which would have eliminated the waiting period for small businesses to join the "Healthy New York" program and provided stripped down benefits making it easier for employers to drop good coverage for their employees in favor of the stripped-down coverage.
BINGHAMTON	Southern Tier Imaging in Johnson City now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
BINGHAMTON	Lalor Creekside Dental in Vestal now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the Chemung County Long-Term Care Council that is affiliated with the County Department of Aging and Long-Term Care.
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the Allegany County Community Partnership on Aging that addresses senior health and wellness issues and includes providers and community members.
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the Cayuga County Long-Term Care Committee affiliated with the Cayuga County Department of Aging.
BINGHAMTON	Green Rehabilitation and Injury in Manlius now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
BUFFALO	Center is a member of the Erie County Integrated Setting Committee, which is part of the Erie County Legislature Health and Human Services Committee.
CORNING	Steuben County Health Care Facility in Bath made procedural changes to have discharge planners include the Center's programs and services materials in their discharge planning packets.
CORNING	Elcor Health Services in Horseheads made procedural changes to have discharge planners include the Center's programs and services materials in their discharge planning packets that are provided to patients.
CORNING	Bethany Village in Horseheads made procedural changes to have discharge planners include the Center's programs and services materials in their discharge planning packets that are provided to patients.
CORNING	NYS Department of Health (DOH) clarified the enrollment and exemption criteria for people eligible for the Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver Program.
CORNING	Fred and Harriet Taylor Health Center in Bath (affiliation-Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital) made procedural changes to have discharge planners include the Center's programs and services materials in their discharge planning packets.
CORNING	Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls (affiliated with Schuyler Hospital) made procedural changes to have discharge planners include the Center's programs and services materials in their discharge planning packets.
CORTLAND	Center's Peer Mentoring/Transition Coordinator serves on the Youth Development Committee of the Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition, which addresses local alcohol and drug abuse among youth and promotes positive youth development.
DELAWARE	Center actively participated in the Delaware County Long-Term Care committee.
DELAWARE	Center actively participated in the in Otsego County Long-Term Care committee.
DELAWARE	Center actively participated in the Long-Term Care committee in Schoharie County.
GLENS FALLS	Advanced Coaching and Training in Ballston Spa was approved to provide Independent Living Skills Training and Structured Day Program services through the NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Catholic Charities in Ogdensburg approved-Service Coordination, Community Integration Counseling, Community Transition, IL Skills Training, Moving Assistance, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports through NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Advanced Coaching and Training in Ballston Spa was approved to provide Independent Living Skills Training and Structured Day Program services through the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Interim Health Care in Glens Falls and Queensbury was approved to provide Home and Community Support Services, Respite, and Wellness Counseling through NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Support-Link in Queensbury approved to provide Service Coordination, Community Transition Services, Environmental Modifications, and Moving Assistance through NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Kee to Independent Growth in Saratoga Springs was approved to provide Service Coordination through the NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Center staff was appointed to the Board of Directors of Greater Adirondack Home Aides (GAHA) in Glens Falls that provides home health care services.
GLENS FALLS	Support-Link in Queensbury was approved to provide Service Coordination through the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Center staff was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Saratoga County NY Connects Point of Entry to Long-Term Care Council affiliated with Saratoga County Office for the Aging.
GLENS FALLS	Adirondack Medicine in Glens Falls separated 2 shared parking spaces and added an access aisle to create 2 handicapped accessible parking spaces.
GLENS FALLS	Upstate Home Respiratory Equipment in Corinth was approved to provide Assistive Technology through NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	North Country Home Health Care in Saranac Lake was approved to provide Assistive Technology, Home and Community Support Services, and Respite through NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
GLENS FALLS	Center staff was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Warren/Hamilton Counties NY Connects Point of Entry to Long-Term Care Council affiliated with Warren/Hamilton Counties Offices for the Aging.
HERKIMER	Center staff serves on the Herkimer County Healthnet (HCHN) Executive Committee. The HCHN serves as a Rural Health Network and works collaboratively with government, health and human service organizations, and other non-profits to complete needs assessments, identify priorities requiring the collective attention of HCHN and its partners, and institute projects/programs to address these priorities.
HERKIMER	Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) moved the Central New York Veteran's Expo from a site that was too small to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs to an area that was accessible to everyone. The annual day-long Expo addresses veterans'; issues such as combat stress, veterans in crisis, employment and health care.
ITHACA	As a result of the Center's participation on the Tompkins County Point of Entry/Long-Term Care Services Advisory Council, the referral process for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) services was moved from the County Department of Social Services (that had a stigma attached) to the County Office for the Aging (a more neutral site), which operates Tompkins Care Connection that is the central access point for long-term care services.
ITHACA	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during January 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "SHU (special housing units) Bill" that would amend the correction law and the mental hygiene law to provide for inmates with serious mental illness to go to residential mental health treatment units within prisons instead of being placed in solitary confinement.
JAMESTOWN	Lutheran Social Services in Jamestown, an assisted living facility, now makes available menus and residential meeting minutes in Braille to assist residents who are blind to participate in activities.
KINGSTON	Bridge Street Family Medicine in Saugerties installed automatic door openers on primary and secondary front entrance doors, paved surrounding walkway to front entrance and re-graded it with no lip present, and installed eye level signs on all handicapped accessible parking spaces.
LONG ISLAND	Center's Community Policy Advocate is a member of the Long Island Anti-Hunger Task Force (AHTF), which is affiliated with the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island and is a collaboration of public and private agencies, community-based organizations and individuals committed to preventing and reducing hunger.
MANHATTAN	Governor vetoed bill S8357 which would have permitted short-term insurance policies with stripped down benefits for certain young adults - those losing coverage under a parent's policy or recent college graduates.
MANHATTAN	Center is a member of the newly formed Task Force on Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Substance Abuse that is sponsored by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).
MANHATTAN	Governor vetoed bill A395/S6385 which would have eliminated the waiting period for small businesses to join the "Healthy New York" program and provided stripped down benefits making it easier for employers to drop good coverage for their employees in favor of the stripped-down coverage.
MANHATTAN	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that included a provision that 10% of bad debt and charity care funds will be used (and accounted for) to provide both inpatient and outpatient care to the uninsured.
MANHATTAN	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that modified spousal budgeting under the NYS Department of Health (DOH) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Program to conform to the spousal budgeting rules adopted last year for the NYS DOH Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Waiver Program, as required by the Federal government.
MANHATTAN	Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that established a new Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Discount Card Program that makes existing EPIC drug discounts available to financially vulnerable uninsured individuals, regardless of age. The average discount will be over 25%, making prescriptions more affordable for persons who are disabled and do not have drug coverage.
MANHATTAN	As result of Center's participation in Coalition for Medically Fragile Children, Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that stopped the "sunset" of the NYS Department of Health Care at Home (CAH) Medicaid Waiver Program that serves children with disabilities with long-term care needs. The legislation included the following changes: eliminated the 30 day institutional stay eligibility requirements for CAH programs I and II that provide in-home services so families can bring children with physical disabilities home from the hospital or nursing facility; eliminated the requirement that children must first be ineligible for Medicaid to be eligible for CAH; eliminated the program slot limit; and included hospice and palliative care services in the benefit package.
MANHATTAN	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that established a new enrollment portal permitting direct enrollment and renewal by individuals in certain Medicaid programs, which includes an electronic application and a telephone renewal process.
MASSENA	Center, in collaboration with Western New York Independent Living, established in Franklin County a Consumer Directed Personal Attendant (CDPA) Program called Taking Control to serve persons who are on Medicaid and choose to hire their personal care attendants.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Single Point of Access Committee for the Migrant Health Services Program affiliated with the Orange County Department of Health, Community Health Outreach.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Deaf Services Case Management Planning Committee affiliated with the Orange County Department of Mental Health.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Cultural Equity Task Force affiliated with the Orange County Department of Mental Health.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Mental Health Advocacy Planning Committee affiliated with the Orange County Department of Mental Health.
MIDDLETOWN	Center staff started serving on the Geriatric Mental Wellness Alliance affiliated with the Orange County Department of Mental Health.
MIDDLETOWN	Dr. Bruce Malen in Warwick improved his office access by correcting problems with an existing ramp to make it Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
MIDDLETOWN	Arden Hill Campus of Orange Regional Medical Center now includes the Center's brochures in its discharge planning packets for the mental health units (MHU) and the chemical addiction and mental illness units (CAMI).
MIDDLETOWN	Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis now includes the Center's brochures in its discharge planning packets.
NEWBURGH	Ulster County Department of Social Services changed its practices to allow as many hours as needed of self-directed home health care to avoid nursing home placements.
NEWBURGH	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during January 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "SHU (special housing units) Bill" that would amend the correction law and the mental hygiene law to provide for inmates with serious mental illness to go to residential mental health treatment units within prisons instead of being placed in solitary confinement.
NIAGARA FALLS	Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center established the Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health Transition Advisory Committee to supervise the provision of information to and the transition for parents and families of those affected by the closure of the Bridges Children's Psychiatric Unit.
OLEAN	Pines Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Olean now includes the Center's brochures in the discharge planning packet given to each resident that is returning back to the community.
PLATTSBURGH	Center spearheaded the establishment of the CVPH Medical Center Disability Concerns Committee, made up of key CVPH personnel and representatives of disability-related groups and agencies in the area, to address barriers and problems encountered by people with disabilities using CVPH (Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh) facilities.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Aspen Dental in Newburgh now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Center for Physical Therapy in Wappinger Falls now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Craig Austin, M.D., Dermatology in Fishkill now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Northeast Eye Care in the Putnam Hospital Complex in Carmel now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Central New York Eye Center in Poughkeepsie now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Rehabilitation Support Services, Orange/Sullivan Division Middletown (transitional living program that serves consumers with a history of serious mental illness) now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with Deaf/hard of hearing patients.
POUGHKEEPSIE	McQuade Children's Services in New Windsor (therapeutic residential treatment for emotionally disturbed children/adolescents) now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Hudson Valley Heart Center (affiliated with St. Francis Hospital) in Poughkeepsie now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Center's Executive Director was invited to be on the Board of Directors of the Dutchess County Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CADVSA), which is a grassroots coalition of individuals and organizations committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Dutchess County through education, collaboration, advocacy, and political action.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Greystone Programs in Poughkeepsie, provides community-based services to children, adults, and families living with Autism and other developmental disabilities, now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Mount Kisco Medical group now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Rehab Programs, Inc. in Poughkeepsie, provides rehabilitation, education, vocational and residential services to people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities, now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Community Medical Care with offices in Port Jervis and Otisville, New York and Milford, Pennsylvania now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Wendy R. Parish, M.D., P. C. in Kingston now provides sign language interpreter services to effectively communicate with patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
PUTNAM	Barnes Medical Building in Putnam made numerous changes to its main entrance and re-striped the parking lot to create accessible parking spaces that are in compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).
QUEENS	NYS Department of Health established a procedure to expeditiously manage exemption requests of persons who are part of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver Program and would otherwise be mandated to enroll in Medicaid health plans.
QUEENS	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that expanded the Medicaid age limit for children in foster care from 18 to 21.
QUEENS	NYS Department of Health (DOH) clarified the enrollment and exemption criteria for people eligible for the Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver Program.
QUEENS	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that streamlined access to Medicaid by: eliminating the asset test for Medicaid spend-down eligibility; increasing the income level for families, finger imaging and drug testing; aligning income levels for childless adults with those of families and children; and aligning the asset test levels for Family Health Plus and Medicaid.
QUEENS	As a result of the Center's participation in the Coalition for Medically Fragile Children, Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that stopped the "sunset" of the NYS Department of Health Care at Home (CAH) Medicaid Waiver Program that serves children with disabilities with long-term care needs. The legislation included the following changes: eliminated the 30 day institutional stay eligibility requirements for CAH programs I and II that provide in-home services so families can bring children with physical disabilities home from the hospital or nursing facility; eliminated the requirement that children must first be ineligible for Medicaid to be eligible for CAH; eliminated the program slot limit; and included hospice and palliative care services in the benefit package.
ROCHESTER	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during January 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "SHU (special housing units) Bill" that would amend the correction law and the mental hygiene law to provide for inmates with serious mental illness to go to residential mental health treatment units within prisons instead of being placed in solitary confinement.
ROCHESTER	Center staff serves on the Board of Directors of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State in Albany.
ROCHESTER	Governor approved legislation for 2008-2009 State budget that established a new Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Discount Card Program that makes existing EPIC drug discounts available to financially vulnerable uninsured individuals, regardless of age. The average discount will be over 25%, making prescriptions more affordable for persons who are disabled and do not have drug coverage.
ROCKLAND	Center established a written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mental Health Association of Rockland County (MHA) to provide Independent Living services to people with mental impairments, including but not limited to Alzheimer's, as well as their family members.
SUFFOLK	Bellhaven Nursing Home in Brookhaven changed its policies to have discharge staff provide residents with information on long-term care options for returning to the community, including information about independent living services.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Department of Community Services Long-Term Care Council.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Autism Awareness Network (SCAAN).
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Communities That Care (CTC) Youth Bureau Committee.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Gaps Analysis/Needs Assessment Committee of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging NY Connects Single Point of Entry (SPOE) Long-Term Care Council.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Department of Community Services Children and Youth Mental Health Task Force.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Department of Community Services Latino Service Provider Coalition Committee.
SULLIVAN	Center staff serves on the Sullivan County Communities That Care (CTC) Board of Directors. CTC seeks to influence the social policies and norms that perpetuate alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse as an acceptable alternative. It is affiliated with the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Sullivan County and the Sullivan County Cares Coalition.
SYRACUSE	Center is a member of a newly created Accessibility Task Force that has the objective to improve services for women with disabilities who are also survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.
TROY	Blue Shield of Northeastern New York established an annual special meeting for Deaf community to discuss updates on the Senior Blue Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans with sign language interpreter services provided and agreed to include with their advertising for this meeting information about other community meetings.
TROY	Center staff serves on the Board of Directors of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York (CDPAANY) that supports contractors and consumers throughout the State.
UTICA	Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy now provides sign language interpreter services upon request for its patients who are deaf. There is 24-hour access to interpreting services through the use of the Personal Videophone technology for hard of hearing or deaf patients.
WATERTOWN	NYS Department of Correctional Services changed its practices to allow in the State prison system a new condom negotiation curriculum to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission.
WATERTOWN	Center's Executive Director was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Lewis County NY Connects Point of Entry to Long-Term Care Council affiliated with Lewis County Office for the Aging.
WATERTOWN	Center's Program Director was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Jefferson County NY Connects Point of Entry to Long-Term Care Council affiliated with Jefferson County Office for the Aging.
WHITE PLAINS	Wartburg Adult Care Community in Mount Vernon became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	New York Institute for Brain Injury in Newburgh became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Inspire (formerly Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association) in Goshen became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Resource Center for Accessible Living in Kingston became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Any-Time Home Care in White Plains became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Interim Health Care in White Plains became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Lighthouse International in White Plains became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Resource Center for Accessible Living in Kingston became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	A and T Health Care in Newburgh became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Independent Living, Inc. in Newburgh became a provider of services through the NYS Department of Health Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion (NFTD) Medicaid Waiver program.
WHITE PLAINS	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during January 2008 of NYS legislation known as the "SHU (special housing units) Bill" that would amend the correction law and the mental hygiene law to provide for inmates with serious mental illness to go to residential mental health treatment units within prisons instead of being placed in solitary confinement.
WHITE PLAINS	Center became a member of a newly created Multicultural Task Force that is affiliated with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and addresses the issue of cultural competence training.
YONKERS	New Sans Souci Nursing Home in Yonkers revised a policy to no longer require residents that desire to leave the facility for activities are accompanied by a nurse's aide or other responsible adult.

COMMERCE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

Center	COMMERCE ADVOCACY SYSTEMS CHANGE
ALBANY	Center is a member of the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Committee, which works to increase realtor's awareness of people with developmental disabilities in the housing market.
ALBANY	As a result of the Center's participation on NYS OMRDD CMS Committee, OMRDD and the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for participation in the Joint Home of Your Own Initiative to assist people with disabilities to purchase their own home.
ALBANY	Center established a written service agreement with the Albany County Rural Housing Alliance (ACRHA), corporate office in Voorheesville, to provide all needed Independent Living services to residents with disabilities at the Feura Bush Senior Apartments that are managed by ACRHA as well as consumers served through its grant and loan programs that assist low to low-moderate income households with home repairs or purchase of a first home.
ALBANY	Center established a written service agreement with Better Neighborhoods, Inc. (BNI) in Schenectady, a neighborhood preservation and community housing development organization, to provide all needed Independent Living services to residents with disabilities who reside in various apartments owned and managed by BNI as well consumers now owning homes it has renovated.
AMSTERDAM	First Transit, a national Medicaid transportation provider serving Montgomery County, changed its policies from providing curb-to-curb service to providing door to door service on a case-by-case basis.
AMSTERDAM	Circle Restaurant in Fonda created an accessible parking space and erected a sign.
AMSTERDAM	City of Amsterdam Transit (CAT) brochure is now available in large print for riders with visual impairments.
AUBURN	Center's Executive Director was appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force.
AUBURN	Habitat for Humanity Cayuga County Chapter in Auburn incorporated visitability into the construction of its homes.
AUBURN	City of Auburn reinstated parking meters that were removed at all handicapped accessible parking places during a city beautification project and were replaced with parking kiosks, which required a person with a disability parking in a handicap space to walk to a kiosk to obtain a ticket and return to their car or risk a parking ticket.
AUBURN	Center's Housing/Education Advocate was elected to the Coordinating Council of the Human Services Coalition of Cayuga County, which brings together human service providers, public and private organizations, and individuals to address the needs of the community through interagency coordination, information sharing and collaboration.
BATAVIA	Batavia Bus Service (BBS), also known as B-Line, serving Genesee County changed its route to pick up residents of the Clinton Crossing Patio Homes apartment complex who have disabilities in front of their individual residences.
BATAVIA	Center's Systems Advocate joined the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern in Albion Board of Directors. The agency's objectives are to provide emergency services to the economically poor and to assist and encourage members of the poverty community in becoming independent, self-sufficient, and contributing members of society.
BATAVIA	Center's Systems Advocate joined the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC).
BINGHAMTON	Sprint phone store in Vestal made its entrance accessible.
BINGHAMTON	Subway Restaurant in Vestal made its entrance accessible.
BINGHAMTON	Broome County Department of Social Services no longer requires a second application for a sign language interpreter before providing services.
BINGHAMTON	Center staff is a member of the NY Mental Hygiene Law Article 16 Review Team of Broome Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO), which addresses the provision of habilitation services through the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).
BINGHAMTON	Broome County Department of Social Services established a written agreement with STIC for the Center to provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training for new hires twice a year.
BROOKLYN	Apartment building at 108-50 71 Avenue in Queens installed a ramp for easier access to the building.
BROOKLYN	New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission adopted rules during April 2008 that required all new vehicles entering the fleet beginning January 1, 2009 must either be wheelchair accessible or fuel-efficient.
BROOKLYN	New Apollo Diner in Brooklyn restored access to the entrance by reorganizing a foyer that became impassable after renovations.
BROOKLYN	IKEA furniture store in Red Hook improved the access of its free transportation services to the store that include shuttle buses from nearby subway stations and water taxis from Manhattan.
BROOKLYN	As a result of the Center's participation in the Taxis for All Campaign, the Design Trust for Public Space (501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to improving New York City's parks, plazas, streets, and public buildings) issued a report in December 2007 on the "Taxi of Tomorrow" that listed the "desirability" of "universal design" among the attributes for the "Iconic Taxi" of the future.
BUFFALO	Center established a written service agreement with Belmont Shelter Corporation to provide all needed IL services to disabled residents at East Side Housing Opportunities-Phase II, a new affordable/low income 50 unit housing project funded through the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation, the Federal Low-Income Housing Credit Program, and the City of Buffalo HOME Program.
CORNING	Byrne Dairy gas station on Park Avenue in South Corning adopted a policy to assist people who have a disability with pumping gas at no extra charge.
CORNING	Chemung County Sheriff's Office in Elmira modified its in-service training plan to incorporate the DVD "Hear The Chemung Deaf, Interacting with Law Enforcement", which was produced by AIM in collaboration with the Sheriff's Office.
CORNING	Fast Trac gas station on W. Pultney Street in Corning adopted a policy to assist people who have a disability with pumping gas at no extra charge.
CORNING	Village Mini Market gas station on N. Hamilton Street in Painted Post adopted a policy to assist people who are disabled with pumping gas at no extra charge.
CORNING	Sunoco gas station on Walnut Street in Corning adopted a policy to assist people who have a disability with pumping gas at no extra charge.
CORNING	Sugar Creek gas station on Denison Parkway in Corning adopted a policy to assist people who have a disability with pumping gas at no extra charge.
CORTLAND	Town of Cortlandville installed curb cuts on West Road (Route 281) between Gorton Avenue and Tompkins Street.
CORTLAND	City of Cortland upgraded curb cuts and installed an accessible and audible pedestrian crossing signal at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and River Street.
CORTLAND	City of Cortland upgraded curb cuts and installed an accessible and audible pedestrian crossing signal at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Pomeroy Street.
CORTLAND	Cortland Crown Homes development group integrated three accessible units into its construction of a renovated 30 unit scattered site affordable rental housing project in the South Main Street area. The accessible units are located at 148 South Main Street.
DELAWARE	Holiday Inn in Oneonta modified a portion of the front desk so it is at a height that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
DELAWARE	Cobleskill Community Library installed an elevator, made restrooms accessible, and produced and disseminated a brochure that provides information about the assistive equipment they have available for visitors with disabilities.
HARLEM	New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) made available a large print map of bus routes for passengers with low vision.
HARLEM	Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits restaurant at West 125th and St. Nicholas in Harlem modified a step at the front entrance to provide an accessible entrance for customers who are disabled.
HARLEM	Center's Executive Director was appointed to serve on the newly created NYS Interagency Coordinating Council for Services to Persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing that was established to promote a comprehensive service system for these individuals. The Council is administered by the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD).
HERKIMER	Center staff was requested to be consumer representative on Herkimer County Treatment Court Team, which works to improve public safety, to link offenders with community based treatment services in lieu of jail or prison, and to improve the court's ability to identify, help and monitor offenders working in conjunction with other community services.
HERKIMER	Herkimer County Sheriff's Office in Herkimer purchased two pocketalkers (an assistive listening device for the hard-of-hearing) to be used by its staff in assisting individuals with hearing impairments.
HERKIMER	Center staff was requested to be consumer representative on the Family Drug Treatment Court Team, which works to improve public safety, to link offenders with community based treatment services in lieu of jail or prison, and to improve the court's ability to identify, help and monitor offenders working in conjunction with other community services.
HERKIMER	A member of the Center's Youth program is a member of the Herkimer County Advisory Board to bring the youth perspective to the Board.
ITHACA	Center's Executive Director served on the Board of Directors of the Human Services Coalition for Tompkins County, which is a private non-profit corporation focusing on efficient, effective planning and delivery of programs.
ITHACA	Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) changed its practices by revising the letter that it sends to potential paratransit passengers to clarify eligibility and entitlements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ITHACA	Center staff is a member of the Tompkins County Community Services Board.
JAMESTOWN	Chautauqua Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) now provides large print schedules for riders who are visually impaired.
KINGSTON	Center was active in the national ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during July 2008 of Federal legislation known as the National Housing Trust Fund Legislation that will assist families in obtaining funding for home loans and some families in danger of losing their homes and will establish a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to set aside a portion of their profits for the Housing Trust Fund and a Capital Magnet Fund to leverage affordable housing development and community development activities.
KINGSTON	As a result of the Center's participation on several workgroups that addressed various community issues during the current economic crisis including transportation issues for those unable to afford gasoline, the Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) established a bus line from Ulster County to the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad at the Poughkeepsie train station and made other bus route modifications to allow people to park and ride.
LONG ISLAND	International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurant in Hicksville now provides Braille and large print menus for customers who are Blind or visually impaired.
LONG ISLAND	Shoe Nuf Family Shoes (also known as Eric Shoes Super Inc and Comfort Family Shoes) at 2954 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown installed a ramp and provided the proper signage for the handicapped parking place.
MANHATTAN	NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal implemented a new guideline that requires property owners and developers to submit an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan for accessible and adaptable properties to the New York State Accessible Housing Registry to comply with the National Fair Housing Act guidelines.
MANHATTAN	New York City legislation was blocked that would have established Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program income threshold parity with the NYS Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program but would have cut the value of the DRIE benefit in half, for all enrollees.
MASSENA	Massena TRIAD Program amended its by-laws to acknowledge that people with disabilities and senior citizens share common crime issues. TRIAD is a joint community approach to the provision of law enforcement services organized by the Massena Senior Citizens Center, the Massena Independent Living Center and the Massena Police Department.
MASSENA	Center is a member of the SALT (Seniors and Law (Enforcement) Together) Council that is the advisory council for the Massena TRIAD Program, which enhances the delivery of law enforcement services to senior citizens and people with disabilities.
MIDDLETOWN	Adult Protective Task Force affiliated with the Orange County Department of Social Services.
MIDDLETOWN	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during August 2007 of NYS legislation that clarifies the scope of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability under the NYS Human Rights Law in the areas of public accommodations to be consistent with Title III the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
NEWBURGH	Regional Economic Community Action Program combined the resources of a number of funded programs to provide accessible housing to individuals not qualified for these services under other programs. Its mission is to mobilize and coordinate public and private resources in order to address basic needs of low-income residents.
NEWBURGH	Center Staff serves on the Orange County Pro Bono Committee that addresses legal issues for low-income individuals and is affiliated with the County Bar Association.
NEWBURGH	Town of Monroe Courts modified an entrance to the current court building.
NEWBURGH	Orange County Transportation Council issued a Coordinated Public Transportation, Human Services Transportation Plan that assesses the transportation needs of people with disabilities and points toward creative, practical, sensitive, and cost-effective improvements in the public transportation system.
NEWBURGH	Orange County Family Court changed its preliminary hearing policy from not providing sign language interpreters for such proceedings to providing an interpreter for all preliminary proceedings.
NEWBURGH	Orange County Planning Board changed its practices to include Center staff as regular participants in the countywide transportation planning process.
NIAGARA FALLS	Niagara Falls Neighborhood Housing Services (NFNHS) formally committed to increasing the number of housing units available for persons who are disabled and to assuring its properties are accessible. NFNHS conducts programs to revitalize economically declining neighborhoods.
OLEAN	Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Olean incorporated the Center's Disability Awareness Training program for the training curriculum for all employees.
OLEAN	Center staff member was requested to be a consumer/recipient representative for the new Cattaraugus County Mental Health Court. Its mission is to improve public safety; link offenders with community based treatment services in lieu of jail or prison, and to improve the court's ability to identify, help and monitor offenders working in conjunction with Social Workers and Psychiatrists.
PLATTSBURGH	City of Plattsburgh Recreational Department Fitness Center in Plattsburgh repaired side doors to a reactivated ramp and unlocked the entry door during business hours.
PLATTSBURGH	Comfort Inn in Plattsburgh redesigned the parking lot to increase the availability of handicapped accessible parking, installed signage inside the restaurant and public areas, and increased lighting for patrons who are visually impaired.
PLATTSBURGH	City of Plattsburgh City Council passed a new ordinance designed to improve sidewalk snow and ice clearance that included a system of warnings and fines, with the City clearing uncleared sections at property owners' expense.
POUGHKEEPSIE	Center is a member of the Dutchess County Housing Consortium that consists of over 40 public, private and non-profit organizations whose goal is to address the needs of the homeless in Dutchess County.
PUTNAM	Ye Olde Lantern Restaurant in Mahopac re-paved its entrance way, which was on a gradual slope, to create an accessible entrance.
PUTNAM	A and P supermarket on Route 6 in Carmel improved access to its restrooms.
PUTNAM	McDonald's restaurant on Route 6 in Mahopac improved restroom access.
QUEENS	As a result of the Center's participation in the Empire State Housing Alliance (ESHA), ESHA revised its Housing Opportunity Fund proposal, press releases, and correspondence to emphasize the need for subsidized housing at the lowest levels of income and the adopted State Budget for 2008-2009 included $200 million in new funding for housing programs.
QUEENS	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that continues the annual Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) without reducing the NYS benefit.
QUEENS	NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal implemented a new guideline that requires property owners and developers to submit an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan for accessible and adaptable properties to the New York State Accessible Housing Registry to comply with the National Fair Housing Act guidelines.
ROCHESTER	NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal implemented new guidelines for the use of Low Income Tax Incentives through the Qualified Allocation Program (QAP). The QAP now provides incentives to builders to build more accessible units than the basic number required by law and to build visitable single-family homes.
ROCHESTER	City of Rochester Police Department initiated a policy that every officer will carry a notepad and black/blue pen in order to write communications with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
ROCHESTER	Wegman's Food Markets at 3701 Mt. Read Blvd. in Rochester moved the cart pick-up from the middle of the handicap accessible parking area to another location.
ROCHESTER	Collaborative funding application with Marketview Heights Association (a not-for-profit neighborhood developer in Rochester) through the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal Access to Home program was approved to assist individual homeowners or renters in Monroe County to make their housing more accessible.
ROCHESTER	City of Rochester adopted a new Housing Policy that better reflects the need for affordable, accessible, and integrated housing.
ROCHESTER	Center served on the Community Building Committee of the United Way of Greater Rochester to assure the continued funding of the HOME Rochester home purchase program through the Rochester Housing Development Fund Corporation.
ROCKLAND	RILC is a member of the Rockland County Department of Public Transportation T.R.I.P.S. paratransit service Board of Directors.
ROCKLAND	Rockland County Department of Public Transportation T.R.I.P.S. paratransit service established a Hot-Line that provides information and assistance to paratransit riders regarding the fixed-route bus schedule.
STATEN ISLAND	CVS Pharmacy at Bard and Forest Avenues on Staten Island renovated its sidewalk and pedestrian ramp to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards and removed the roll down security doors from the outside and placed them within the building to allow persons who use wheelchairs additional space.
STATEN ISLAND	As a result of the Center's efforts, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, representing the 63rd Assembly District Richmond County, made policy changes to significantly increase handicapped parking fines.
STATEN ISLAND	NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Access-A-Ride paratransit service adopted a policy requiring its drivers to be trained in the proper usage of maps and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.
STATEN ISLAND	Church Avenue F subway station installed three new elevators that connect the street with the platform level on both platforms at the station. In addition, closed circuit televisions and talk-back systems have been installed in the elevators.
STATEN ISLAND	Manhattan South Ferry terminal installed a "Talking Kiosk" to help direct passengers who are disabled that was funded by the West Brighton Local Development Corporation (WBLDC).
SUFFOLK	Wal-Mart department store in Centereach increased the number of motorized shopping carts available to individuals with disabilities by adding six new accessible carts.
SUFFOLK	Pathmark Supermarket in Centereach increased its access by moving the motorized shopping carts to a location where individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers have better access, affixing keys to the carts instead of requiring shoppers who are disabled get a key from customer service, and establishing a policy for shoppers who are disabled to request assistance with placing bags in their cars.
SULLIVAN	Siena's Pizza in Monticello now provides a large print menu for its customers who are visually impaired.
SULLIVAN	Center established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rural Sullivan Housing Corporation in Monticello to conduct evaluations for home modifications for individuals with disabilities as part of the Sullivan County Access to HOME Program.
SULLIVAN	Thompson Square in Monticello installed "No Parking Anytime" signs for handicapped parking access aisles to improve access for businesses located in the shopping plaza.
SULLIVAN	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during August 2007 of NYS legislation that clarifies the scope of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability under the NYS Human Rights Law in the areas of public accommodations to be consistent with Title III of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
SULLIVAN	TD Banknorth branch in Monticello at the corner of Broadway and Lakewood Avenue installed handicapped parking spaces and proper signage.
SYRACUSE	Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CENTRO) made its bus schedules more uniform and less confusing so they are easier to read and understand.
SYRACUSE	Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CENTRO) created a single ride pass for the Call-A-Bus paratransit service that can be used in all paratransit vehicles. It enables passengers to travel without using money, which has been an issue for some riders who have visual impairments as well as other disabilities.
SYRACUSE	P and C Food Market in Oswego created accessible check-out lane for persons who use wheelchairs.
SYRACUSE	Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CENTRO) re-designed its web site to provide more useful and practical information for the Call-A-Bus paratransit riders that includes customer service information, complaint process, more information about consumers rights and responsibilities, making reservations, cancellations, and explanation of other rules of paratransit.
SYRACUSE	Oswego County Department of Public Works changed its snow removal practices to remove snow from handicapped parking access aisles and clear passages to the sidewalk in the Oswego City shopping district and to remove snow from sidewalks on bridges and main streets as soon as roads are cleared.
SYRACUSE	Center established a written Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Housing Visions, a neighborhood preservation and community housing development organization, to provide all needed Independent Living services to residents with disabilities who reside at the public housing Hamilton Homes Project in the City of Oswego.
SYRACUSE	Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) in Fulton made the bus schedules for its Call-N-Ride paratransit service (door-to-door services for non-Medicaid transportation) easier to read and understand and posted them on their website.
SYRACUSE	City of Syracuse committed to including issues affecting persons with disabilities in the zoning plans, such as right of ways and providing benches at public transit bus stops.
SYRACUSE	Hillside Commons commercial plaza in Oswego re-striped part of its parking lot and added three handicapped accessible parking spaces.
SYRACUSE	Center is a member of the newly created United We Ride committee affiliated with the Onondaga County Office for the Aging, which was awarded funding for the United We Ride Technical Assistance Grant by the National Center for Senior Transportation and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging to develop coordinated transportation services for seniors emphasizing paratransit and rural transportation.
TROY	Capitaland Taxi to contain language for two wheelchair accessible vehicles to be at the airport.
TROY	Rensselaer Train Station, which is owned by Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), established a contract with Capitaland Taxi for usage of their wheelchair accessible vehicles for passengers arriving at the train station.
TROY	Yellow Cab Company that serves the Capital District agreed to make ten percent of its fleet wheelchair accessible.
UTICA	Center staff serves on the Rebuild Mohawk Valley (RMV) Board of Directors, which is a community housing development organization in the process of constructing 21 homes for low-income buyers. As a result of Center's advocacy, the Federal five percent requirement for fully accessible housing rose to ten percent, all remaining housing will be constructed with a "universal design", and RMV changed its practices to produce additional modified housing above any federal mandate as the need arises.
UTICA	Center was awarded grants from both the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area and the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center in Utica to conduct the "Main Street" program that works with "at-risk youth" in the 16-25 age group who are involved with the court system.
WATERTOWN	Price Chopper supermarket in Watertown created accessible handicapped parking spaces in excess of the number required and applied new striping in the parking lot.
WATERTOWN	Curtis Apartments in Watertown installed an automatic door to increase building access for residents who are disabled.
WHITE PLAINS	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during August 2007 of NYS legislation that clarifies the scope of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability under the NYS Human Rights Law in the areas of public accommodations to be consistent with Title III of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
WHITE PLAINS	NYS Division of Human Rights found probable cause for discrimination on the lawsuit the Center filed against the McDonalds restaurant in the White Plains Mall for failure to provide accessible bathrooms.
YONKERS	Center's Executive Director serves on the NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewals (DHCR) Money Follows the Person Advisory Committee that addresses housing related barriers to community reintegration.
YONKERS	NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal implemented a new guideline that requires property owners and developers to submit an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan for accessible and adaptable properties to the New York State Accessible Housing Registry to comply with the National Fair Housing Act guidelines.
YONKERS	Governor approved legislation for the 2008-2009 State budget that included $200 million in new funding for housing programs.
YONKERS	Curb cut at entrance to Bridge Row Communication, Inc at 66 Main St in Yonkers was corrected so the slope is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).
YONKERS	Shoprite Supermarket at Greenway Plaza in Yonkers removed posts blocking access to elevator leading to stores on another level.
YONKERS	Hastings Farmers Market at the Community Center in Hastings-on Hudson created handicapped accessible parking spaces.

SOCIAL ADVOCACY 2007-2008

Center	SOCIAL ADVOCACY SYSTEMS CHANGE
AUBURN	St. Luke's United Church Of Christ in Auburn blacktopped its parking lot to create designated accessible parking spaces and access aisles.
AUBURN	Cayuga County Department of Parks and Trails installed curb cuts around the ticket booth for the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse at Emerson Park.
AUBURN	City of Auburn improved the access of Veteran’s Memorial Park (part of Pomeroy Park) in Auburn by installing an accessible path.
BINGHAMTON	St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Johnson City made the bathrooms in its recreation center accessible to people with disabilities.
BRONX	Jewish Guild for the Blind (both in New York City) now makes available the Center's Community Speaking Calendar provided by Bronxnet, a private not-for-profit community television station serving the Bronx, as a resource to the visually impaired community.
BRONX	Lighthouse International in New York City now makes available the Center's Community Speaking Calendar provided by Bronxnet, a private not-for-profit community television station serving the Bronx, as a resource to the visually impaired community.
BROOKLYN	Kingdom Life Ministries International in Brooklyn now uses a portable ramp to make an alternate entrance accessible.
BROOKLYN	Ebenezer Wesleyan Methodist Church in Brooklyn obtained a wheelchair accessible bus to transport its members who are disabled on trips.
CORTLAND	Center's Peer Mentoring/Transition Coordinator was appointed as a Commissioner on the Advisory Board of the Courtland County Youth Bureau, which develops and accounts for a county wide system of youth services that include varied recreational and educational programs.
DELAWARE	Unadillia Historical Association improved access for a building it owns that serves as a Community Center by installing a ramp at the rear of the building for the lower level, which is used for community social events and houses the Head Start School.
DELAWARE	Cooperstown All Star Village, a large baseball tournament facility in Oneonta, is now fully accessible with improvements throughout the park to all facilities.
DELAWARE	Oneonta Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) made its bathroom accessible.
DELAWARE	Milford Community Bible Church installed a ramp.
GLENS FALLS	Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs installed a ramp and improved bathroom access for its community center.
GLENS FALLS	Ridge Road Wesleyan Church in Queensbury added a fully accessible bathroom for parishioners with disabilities.
GLENS FALLS	As a result of the Center's advocacy, an Albany chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) was established. FHNB is a national non-profit volunteer organization that provides recreational fishing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
HARLEM	Manhattan Community Board #10 serving Harlem and the Polo Grounds now includes on its event calendars a statement that social events will be accessible for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind on request.
ITHACA	Center staff is a member of the Board of Directors of the One-to-One Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County, which is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.
ITHACA	Ithaca chapter of the Democratic Committee of Tompkins County moved the location of its Election Day party to an accessible site.
JAMESTOWN	Jamestown Municipal Boatlanding/McCrea Point Park installed an accessible bathroom.
JAMESTOWN	Jamestown Bowling Company created handicapped parking.
MASSENA	Massena Senior High School installed side-rails on the gymnasium bleachers for persons attending sporting events who are disabled.
OLEAN	Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Olean purchased several pieces of adaptive cardiovascular equipment for use in its wellness programs by individuals with disabilities.
OLEAN	Allegany County Council of Agencies now provides meeting agendas in alternative formats to enable people with disabilities to attend and address issues regarding social, recreational, and leisure pursuits.
STATEN ISLAND	Center's Executive Director is a member of the Willowbrook Park Planning Committee that is working on developing recreational facilities and other programs which will be accessible to persons with disabilities.
STATEN ISLAND	Trinity Lutheran Church in Staten Island improved the access of its restroom.
TROY	Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy installed a ramp and an accessible restroom for patrons with mobility impairments. The Sanctuary is a community media arts center located in an historic converted church.

CITIZENSHIP ADVOCACY 2007-2008

Center	CITIZENSHIP ADVOCACY SYSTEMS CHANGE
AMSTERDAM	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the NYS Board of Elections approving the use of optical scan voting machines at polling sites as part of the State's implementation of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
AUBURN	Cayuga County Board of Elections now informs voters about accessible polling sites through the postcard sent to voters regarding the location of their assigned polling sites and the "The Auburn Citizen", the newspaper of record.
AUBURN	City of Auburn improved access to the City Council chambers by removing benches from select locations to allow individuals who use wheelchairs to sit in the gallery during Council meetings.
AUBURN	City of Auburn Planning Board now makes its meeting agenda accessible by posting it on the City of Auburn's website.
AUBURN	City of Auburn City Council now makes its meeting agenda accessible by posting it on the City of Auburn's website.
BATAVIA	NYS Senator Mary Lou Rath, representing the 61st Senate District, adopted policies that ensure that meetings and rallies are held in accessible locations.
BATAVIA	NYS Assembly member Daniel Burling, representing the 147th Assembly District with his district office in Warsaw, adopted policies that ensure that meetings and rallies are held in accessible locations.
BATAVIA	Genesee County chapter of the Republican Committee in Batavia adopted policies that ensure that meetings and rallies are held in accessible locations.
BINGHAMTON	Center's extensive work with Tioga County Board of Elections resulted in all of the County's 19 polling sites being brought into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).
BINGHAMTON	NYS Board of Elections withdrew support for a proposal to have votes cast by a ballot marking device be treated as absentee ballots and decided in favor of treating them as emergency ballots and, therefore, counted on election day.
BINGHAMTON	Center was active in the national ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during September 2008 of Federal legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) that will restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
BINGHAMTON	Center's extensive work with Broome County Board of Elections resulted in all of the County's 123 polling sites being brought into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).
BROOKLYN	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the NYS Board of Elections approving the use of optical scan voting machines at polling sites as part of the State's implementation of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
BROOKLYN	Kings County Board of Elections purchased an ES and S AutoMark optical scan voting system, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
BUFFALO	Center was active in the national ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during September 2008 of Federal legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) that will restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
BUFFALO	Erie County Board of Elections' proposal to not use the previously purchased ES and S AutoMark accessible voting machine and instead purchase the Sequoia ImageCast was blocked by the Judge overseeing the US Department of Justice lawsuit to require New York State to fully comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
CORTLAND	Cortland County Board of Elections purchased Sequoia ImageCast ballot marking devices that will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently
CORTLAND	Center's Peer Mentoring Specialist became a member of the Accessibility Committee of the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) in Bethesda, Maryland, which is dedicated to advancing the next generation of disability leaders.
CORTLAND	Cortlandville Town Hall, which serves as a polling site, improved the access of its bathrooms by adjusting the closer setting on the automatic doors.
DELAWARE	Albany County Board of Elections reproduced the Center's Project HAVA "Election Day Tips and Reminders" form in a laminated format and sent it to all 346 election districts along with a signature template and magnifying glass to be used by voters with disabilities.
DELAWARE	NYS Board of Elections withdrew support for a proposal to have votes cast by a ballot marking device be treated as absentee ballots and decided in favor of treating them as emergency ballots and, therefore, counted on election day.
DELAWARE	Greater Oneonta Historical Society added accessible signage and an automatic door opener to improve access.
DELAWARE	Tioga County Board of Elections purchased and incorporated the Center's DVD "How to Conduct a Physical Assessment of a Polling Site" into its training curriculum for all of their poll workers.
GLENS FALLS	Town of Weavertown Town Hall improved its access for attendance at Town Board meetings by installing a ramp to access the building and by creating handicapped accessible parking with striping and appropriate signage.
ITHACA	Tompkins County Board of Elections purchased the Sequoia ImageCast ballot marking device, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
KINGSTON	Ulster County Board of Elections improved the access of a designated accessible polling site located at 284 Wall Street in uptown Kingston by placing a bell to ring for assistance outside the building where persons using wheelchairs could access it and by moving the handicapped parking sign that was blocking the curb cut to the side walk making the curb cut useable.
MANHATTAN	NYC Board of Elections (BOE) improved accessible voting information on its website by adding a guide demonstrating the accessible features of the new voting machines as well as information about accessible voting locations.
MANHATTAN	Center was active in local effort that resulted in NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) simplifying the layout of its website sign-up page to better serve users of screen-reading software and abandoning the use of voluntary registries of persons with disabilities who would need assistance during evacuation and sheltering in a wide scale disaster.
MANHATTAN	New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) now provides its publication "Ready New York: Guide for Seniors and People with Disabilities" in large print and on their website in screen reader-friendly formats for people with disabilities.
NEWBURGH	Orange County Board of Elections purchased the Sequoia ImageCast optical scan voting system, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
NIAGARA FALLS	Center was active in the national ILC effort that led to the passage and signing into law during September 2008 of Federal legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) that will restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
NIAGARA FALLS	Niagara County Board of Elections purchased the Sequoia ImageCast ballot marking device, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
OLEAN	Cattaraugus County Board of Elections purchased the Sequoia ImageCast optical scan voting system, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
OLEAN	Cattaraugus County Board of Elections improved the access of a polling site at the Killbuck Fire Hall by moving the actual polling site to another room, installing an accessible exterior door, installing a concrete pad to improve parking and travel to the accessible entrance, and installing handicapped parking for use during elections.
PUTNAM	Center's work with Putnam County Board of Elections over past two years resulted in all of Putnam County's 21 polling sites being brought into compliance with ADAAG.
QUEENS	Center was active in local effort that resulted in NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) simplifying the layout of its website sign-up page to better serve users of screen-reading software and abandoning the use of voluntary registries of persons with disabilities who would need assistance during evacuation and sheltering in a wide scale disaster.
ROCHESTER	NYS Board of Elections withdrew support for a proposal to have votes cast by a ballot marking device be treated as absentee ballots and decided in favor of treating them as emergency ballots and, therefore, counted on Election day.
ROCHESTER	Center was active in the statewide ILC effort that led to the NYS Board of Elections approving the use of optical scan voting machines at polling sites as part of the State's implementation of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
ROCKLAND	Haverstraw Town Hall, which serves as a voting site, installed a handicapped parking space for persons who are disabled and use a van.
SYRACUSE	Oswego County Board of Elections improved access at its office in Oswego by installing new signs, wheelchair accessible ramps, and ballot calls with bells for people to ring if they need assistance.
SYRACUSE	City of Oswego improved polling site access by moving a polling place from Hamilton Homes, a non-accessible site, to 70 Bunner Street that is accessible.
SYRACUSE	Oswego County Board of Elections purchased Sequoia ImageCast ballot marking devices (BMD) and made them available to voters at its office in Oswego on Election Day. The BMD will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
TROY	Rensselaer County Board of Elections improved access at polling sites by purchasing the Sequoia ImageCast optical scan voting system and automatic door openers and by moving some polling sites to accessible locations.
TROY	Rensselaer County Board of Elections changed its website to accommodate screen readers when completing the voter registration form for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
TROY	Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provided free transportation to polling sites on Election Day for individuals eligible for Special Transportation Available by Request (STAR) services and advertised it was providing free paratransit services.
UTICA	Oneida County Board of Elections purchased the Sequoia ImageCast ballot marking device, which will allow voters with disabilities and people with other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.
YONKERS	Westchester County Board of Elections purchased equipment to improve access at polling sites that includes the Sequoia ImageCast optical scan voting system, portable ramps, signage, and temporary buzzer systems.

NYS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
SYSTEMS CHANGE OUTCOME INVENTORY
OCTOBER 1, 2007 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

Table of Contents:

EDUCATION ADVOCACY 2007-2008

EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY 2007-2008

HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

COMMERCE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

SOCIAL ADVOCACY 2007-2008

CITIZENSHIP ADVOCACY 2007-2008

NYS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT SYSTEMS CHANGE OUTCOME INVENTORY OCTOBER 1, 2007 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

Table of Contents:

EDUCATION ADVOCACY 2007-2008

EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY 2007-2008

HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

COMMERCE ADVOCACY 2007-2008

SOCIAL ADVOCACY 2007-2008

CITIZENSHIP ADVOCACY 2007-2008

NYS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
SYSTEMS CHANGE OUTCOME INVENTORY
OCTOBER 1, 2007 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008