Page Introduction
This page is a continuation of the New York State Disability Histroy Timeline Exhibit with specific information about the 2000s.
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2000s
The new century began with the successful closing of 11 developmental centers. There was an increase in residential placements with the New York State Cares II initiative. Legislation such as "Billy’s Law" and the "Hate Crimes Act" provide increased legal protection for individuals with disabilities.
2000
25 Years After Willowbrook. Celebration marks the 25 years after patients at Willowbrook won a class action lawsuit against the State of New York.
2000
Hate Crimes Act of 2000, Article 485 signed into law by Governor Pataki. This legislation was first introduced in 1997. Individuals convicted of hate crimes could serve from 6 to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the offense.
2000
Pataki signs into law legislation to provide funds to the Helen Hayes Hospital enabling the hospital to provide more advanced rehabilitation services to individuals with physical disabilities.
2000
Pataki cuts the ribbon to officially open a community residence for the developmentally disabled in Queens. This home was part of the five-year program to accommodate individuals on waiting lists for community placement in New York State.
2001
George W. Bush becomes President of the United States.
2001
OMRDD and the New York State Mortgage agency partner to make home ownership more affordable for those with disabilities.
2001
Pataki announces Joblines, a telephone- employment-based search tool for individuals with visual impairments. Joblines is a telephone-access and voice version of America's Job Bank, a national database of more than one million job opportunities.
2001
Lawsuit brought against the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Governor Pataki and the Adirondack Park Agency by disability rights advocates under the ADA. The settlement allows motorized access at selected locations, especially where man-made barriers were erected by the State to control entry and use. It will provide access to over 156 miles of roads and 30 miles of trails throughout NYS.
2002
New York State Developmental Disabilities Awards recognizes… "individuals who have made an exceptional commitment to overcoming their disability, assisting those with special needs or dedicating their lives to advancing the cause of the developmentally-disabled.
2002
Pataki signed the Most Integrated Settings Bill, law is based on the U.S.Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. The new law requires the State to regularly demonstrate how it is maximizing efforts to provide alternatives to segregated institutional settings, such as nursing homes and facilities that provide adult housing for New Yorkers with disabilities.
2002
Pataki signs into law legislation which includes Familial Dysautonomia (FD), a rare genetic disease, within the legal definition of developmental disability. The new law raises awareness of the disease and provides families with services needed to care for family members afflicted with this disability.
2002
Atkins v. Virginia: The U.S. Supreme Court rules it is (unconstitutional to execute an individual convicted of murder who is considered mentally retarded.
2003
Pataki signs bills that amend The Real Property Tax Law allowing more senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to qualify for Real Property Tax benefits. The law gives local governments and public school districts the option of granting a reduction on the amount of property taxes that are paid by seniors and homeowners with a disability which allows them to stay within their own communities.
2003
Pataki signs bill prohibiting drivers from blocking the space around handicapped parking. It includes a fine if violated.
2003
New York Medicaid Buy-In Program proposed in 2001 begins in 2003. The program allows working individuals with disabilities to hold jobs while still receiving health insurance coverage from the State.
2003
Executive Order No. 129 issued by Pataki establishes the Task Force on the Institiute for Basic Research (IBR). The task force will be responsible for evaluating the IBR and its ability to provide adequate research and services needed for those with developmental disabilities in New York State.
2005
Pataki signs "Billy’s Law" that will allow New York residents placed in out-of-state facilities to receive specialized services. The law was named for Billy Albanese, who suffered multiple injuries while attending a facility for mentally disabled youth in New Jersey. In 2006, Billy Albanese is honored with the Senate Achiever’s Award presented every year in conjunction with the Senate’s Disability Awareness Day.
2006
OMRDD launches its NYS-CARES ll and NYS OPTS initiatives, a 10-year commitment by the State to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It also addresses the demands for out-of-home residential services and provides a wide array of options that promote personal choice and inclusion.
2007
Eliot Spitzer becomes Governor of New York State.
2007
OMRDD: Diana Jones Ritter becomes 7th Commissioner for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.