Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) announced that legislation she sponsored to establish a public awareness campaign to combat the discrimination, stigma and stereotyping of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was signed into law (Ch. 480 of 2022).

“Every New Yorker deserves to be treated with respect and dignity,” Woerner said. “We’ve made great strides in making our state a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. However, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities still face stigmas that can exclude them from living life to the fullest. I sponsored and helped pass a new law to combat these lingering prejudices through a public education initiative highlighting how much these individuals have contributed to our great state. I thank the governor for signing this uplifting measure into law and advocates for their continued efforts to create a more inclusive society.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 children in the United States has one or more intellectual or developmental disabilities, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, learning disability, vision impairment, or other developmental delays.^[1] Given how widespread these disabilities are throughout our nation, promoting a more inclusive environment is vital to support active, fulfilling lives for these individuals.

Saratoga Bridges CEO Jane Mastaitis said, “We applaud Governor Hochul, Senator Manion and Assemblywoman Woerner’s collaborative efforts in making a difference by supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities’ opportunities to lead full, active and independent lives while empowering their dreams.”

The measure Woerner sponsored will showcase the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to their respective communities and the state. Woerner looks forward to seeing this public awareness campaign roll out in our community and across New York.

Christopher Lyons, CEO of AIM Services Inc., said, "We applaud and are grateful for this opportunity that further reduces the stigma regarding people living with disabilities, and we will continue to break down barriers while working to ensure the people we serve are accepted as part of their community, not just people who exist in the community."

[1] www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/features/increase-in-developmental-disabilities.html