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JAN 2019 NY.Indd VOLUME 24 NUMBER 7 JANUARY 2019 ININ THISTHIS ISSUEISSUE ADAPT IS 40 ABLE Accounts DiNapoli Urges Advocacy Org. Celebrates 4 Decades Age Expansion PAGE 2 Feds May Limit PWD Proposal Could Make Immigration Harder PAGE 3 Court Refuses Lawsuit Against Lyft Still On-going PAGE 3 N.Y. Health Act City Council Listens to Testimony PAGE 6 Financial Aid Resources Available To Students With Disabilities PAGE 8 ADAPT members hear speakers at one of several Sports events throughout the day at the organization’s Race, WC Basketball, recent 40th anniversary celebration in Denver, Skiing, Golf & Paralympics Colo. PAGES 12 & 17 Chapter members from across the country also attended a rally at Civic Center Park in Colorado, where they listened to speeches from several orig- inal ADAPT founders, members, Colorado Lt. Gov.- a bus through the night to demand accessible pub- Elect Dianne Primavera (D) and State Sen. Jessie lic transportation in Denver, Colo. Since then, the Danielson (D-Dist. 20). advocacy group has continued to grow throughout Afterwards, a memorial dinner was held honor- the country, with members organizing demonstra- ing Babs Johnson, a beloved ADAPT leader who tions, sit ins, rallies and civil disobedience, incud- died this year which was followed by a screening ing occupying senators offices in Washington, D.C. of “Piss on Pity: The Story of ADAPT” a new film on In inset photo, ADAPT organizers enjoy the ral- VISIT the history of the organization. ly. Seen left to right, are Robbie Roppolo and Dawn ABLE’S ADAPT began four decades ago when 19 activists Russell of Colorado; Mike Oxford of Kansas and WEBSITE with disabilities, known as the Gang of 19, blocked Stephanie Thomas of Texas. WWW.ABLENEWS.COM DiNapoli Calls for Expanding ABLE Age ABLE NEWSPAPER P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, NY 11804 ew York state Comptrol- participate is one of the major 2015, and started operating 516 939-2253 FAX 516 939-0540 ler Thomas DiNapoli re- changes requested by New York- and investing funds in 2017. www.ablenews.com Ncently urged Congress to ers with disabilities who want a DiNapoli’s office oversees the increase the eligibility age from more secure financial future.” program and investments. 26 to 46 for individuals who can The legislation is currently with It allows New Yorkers with dis- participate in the Achieving a the Senate Finance Committee abilities to save money in their Better Life Experience (ABLE) and the House Ways and Means own names without risking their program, a savings and invest- Committee. Five of the bill’s Supplemental Security Income sponsors are from New York, (SSI), Medicaid and certain oth- ment tool for individuals with Published By including Sen. Kirsten Gilli- er means-based benefits. Also disabilities. Melmont Printing The program, which launched brand (D-N.Y.), as well as U.S. known as 529A accounts, they more than a year ago, already Reps. John Katko (R-Dist. 24), can be opened with a minimum Publisher has approximately $3 million Sean Patrick Maloney (D-Dist. contribution of $25. Angela Miele Melledy in assets saved by individuals 18), Jose Serrano (D-Dist. 15) The annual contribution is and their families to pay for and Yvette Clarke (D-Dist. 9). capped at $15,000. Account own- Editorial Assistant medical and living costs. The “I have consistently fought for ers who are employed can con- Allison Howe legislation before Congress, the ABLE program in the Sen- tribute an additional $12,060 or NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JANUARY 2019 PAGE 2 2019 PAGE - JANUARY ABLE NEWSPAPER YORK NEW ate and am proud to support ex- their annual income, whichever Staff Writers the ABLE Age Adjustment Act Beth Guarino (emerita) (H.R. 1874 / S.817), amends panding the program’s age limit is less. The maximum account the Internal Revenue Code for to assist New Yorkers who be- balance is $100,000. Contribu- Columnists state-sponsored ABLE programs come disabled later in life,” said tions can be made by eligible Disabled in Action to increase the age threshold for Gillibrand. individuals, family members or Edith Prentiss eligibility for the program. “During my time in Congress, friends, but are not tax-deduct- Anthony Trocchia “People who become disabled I have consistently led efforts ible. Task Force later in life, including many to support ABLE programming, To be eligible, an individual Assemblymember James of our veterans, face the same which helps empower individu- must have a disability that was Skoufis challenges and same expenses als with disabilities and ensure present before age 26. Partici- United Spinal Association as those disabled from accidents they have the tools necessary to pants must be eligible for SSI Jim Weisman or illnesses as children or young save and plan for the long-term,” or Social Security Disability In- adults,” DiNapoli said. “Since said Katko. surance (SSDI), be blind, have Production Director launching our program a year The New York ABLE pro- a significant disability docu- Debbie Simko ago, raising the age of who can gram was signed into law in Continued on page 15 Art & Production Jennifer Becker Ann Imbrogno Many at Risk When Temperatures Dip Marilyn Wheeler New York City Emergency time outdoors are at risk for fall below 55 degrees outside Management (NYCEM) and health impacts. Employers during the day and a minimum Technical Assistance the Department of Health are should implement safe work of 62 degrees indoors overnight, Louis Melledy advising individuals to pre- practices, provide appropriate regardless of outdoor tempera- pare for dropping temperatures protective equipment, and train tures. If a tenant cannot get Office Manager throughout the winter, because workers on how to stay safe the building owner to comply, Fannie Miele (emerita) cold weather can cause or wors- during cold weather. Consump- they should register an official Accounting en health problems. tion of alcohol should be limit- complaint via 311 or www.nyc. Margaret Wenzel Certain individuals are at in- ed, because it causes the body gov/311. creased risk for injury or death, to lose heat faster and impairs To keep heated homes as Advertising Rates including those who are home- judgment, which may limit the warm as possible, use adequate Furnished Upon Request less, live in homes with limited ability to take appropriate pre- insulation and hang blankets Postmaster: Send address changes to Able News at P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, N.Y. 11804. Period- heat, the disabled, alcohol and cautions in a dangerously cold over windows and doorways. In icals are being paid for at Bethpage, N.Y. post of- drug abusers, infants, the el- environment. addition, wear layered cloth- fice. ©1994 ABLE NEWSPAPER. Able Newspaper is published monthly by Melmont Printing, 6 Robert derly and the mentally ill. Pro- A code blue weather emergen- ing. Fireplaces can use it for Court, Bethpage, N.Y. 11714. Able welcomes man- uscripts and suggestions for articles. However, to longed exposure to cold can lead cy is issued when the tempera- heat, but a damper and screen assure safe return, manuscripts must be accompa- to frostbite and/or hypothermia. ture is forecast to drop to 32 de- must be used for safety. nied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. No re- sponsibility is assured for unsolicited manuscripts Anyone exhibiting symp- grees or less between 4 p.m. and Do not use the oven or fu- or art. Submissions are the author’s warranty that the material is not an infringement of the rights toms of these conditions should 8 a.m., including calculations el-burning space heaters, as of others and that the material may be published call 911 or go to the emergency for wind chill factors. No one without further approval. Editorial material does not these can release carbon mon- necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher room. who is homeless and seeking oxide. Open water faucets to of Able Newspaper. Advertisers are responsible for the content of advertisements. No part of this pub- “With the low temperatures shelter in New York City during a steady drip so pipes do not lication may be reprinted without the permission and even lower wind chills, a code blue will be denied. of the publisher. Able is not responsible for errors freeze. in advertisements beyond the price of the space make sure you bundle up,” said An outreach team, reachable The Home Energy Assis- occupied by the error. The publisher reserves the NYCEM Commissioner Joseph at 311, can help with finding re- tance Program (HEAP) can right to decline advertising for any reason. Esposito. “If you’re at increased sources such as shelters, drop- help low-income renters and risk for injury due to the ex- in centers, safe havens and sta- homeowners with heating bills treme cold, significantly limit bilization beds. and other energy expenses. Deadline for the your time outdoors, and check Residential building owners Eligibility is based on house- Feb. Issue of in on elderly family members are legally required to main- hold income, family size and Able Newspaper and neighbors.” tain indoor temperatures at 68 energy costs. To apply call 212 Workers who spend a lot of degrees when the temperatures 331-3150. Will Be Jan. 15 PAGE 3 JANUARY 2019- NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER YORK 2019- NEW 3 JANUARY PAGE Feds Proposal May Affect Disabled Immigrants he Department of Home- The new rule would define the “We here at the Mayor’s Of- pen to have a family member land Security recent- meaning of public charge more fice for People with Disabili- with cerebral palsy, autism, Tly proposed a rule that broadly, such as those who rely ties (MOPD) cannot emphasize mental health disabilities or would greatly expand the defi- on Medicaid, food stamps and enough the damage this will any other significant disabili- nition of a public charge, a housing assistance, as well as do to immigrants with disabil- ty,” said Kim Musheno, CCD person who is likely to become those who are likely to require ities,” said Victor Calise, com- chair and a vice president at the primarily dependent on the extensive medical treatment or missioner of MOPD.
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