ASL INTERPRETERS ABSENT FROM PRESS BRIEFINGS

For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katrin Haldeman

Katrin.haldeman@drny.org

518-275-1720

ASL INTERPRETERS ABSENT FROM PRESS BRIEFINGS

Albany, NY April 4, 2020:

Disability Rights New York (DRNY) files a complaint with the United States Department of Justice against Governor Andrew Cuomo for not having American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at his live press briefings.

DRNY has a mandate to ensure that New Yorkers with disabilities have equal access to all government programs and services. Right now, deaf New Yorkers are being denied access because sign language interpreters are not present at press briefings.

DRNY has received several complaints from deaf individuals expressing their concern and frustration with not understanding the Governor’s daily briefings.

“New York State is the COVID-19 crisis epicenter. However, vital life and death information is not reaching our deaf neighbors simply because there are no ASL interpreters at the live briefings. This is such an easy fix, yet it remains broken.” - Timothy A. Clune, DRNY Exec. Director.

Read the Full Complaint

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

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DRNY is the designated independent non-profit Protection & Advocacy System empowered by Congress to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and provide legal and non-legal advocacy services to people with disabilities in New York State. The Protection & Advocacy System was created by Congress as a direct result of the horrific conditions that were uncovered in the 1970's at New York’s Willowbrook State School.

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DRNY is supported at tax payer expense by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, The Administration for Community Living ; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and, the Social Security Administration. This press release does not represent the views, positions or policies of, or the endorsements by, any of these federal agencies.

Disability Rights New York | www.drny.org