Disability Pride Month
Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the first comprehensive law protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities. Signed into federal law on July 26, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in regard to employment, state and local government services, public transportation, businesses that are open to the public, telecommunications, and more.
At NYCHA, Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to reaffirm the agency’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where residents and employees of all abilities are valued, respected, and empowered. Through accessible programs, services, and public spaces, NYCHA continues to work toward ensuring that all residents can fully participate in their communities.
Disability Pride Month also coincides with peak farm season at NYCHA. Residents of Wagner Houses, Howard Houses, Forest Houses, Mariner’s Harbor, and Astoria Houses can visit their development’s farm now through November to pick up fresh produce every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Operated by Green City Force, these community farms feature accessible pathways, so that residents who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids can participate in farm events and activities.
The forthcoming farms at Ravenswood Houses and South Beach Houses will also have accessible pathways; an accessible pathway at Karol’s Urban Community Farm at Castle Hill Houses, operated by New York Botanical Garden’s (NYBG) Bronx Green-Up, is nearing completion. John Lisbon, NYCHA’s Farms Partnerships Manager recalled speaking to a resident who uses a wheelchair at an event at Castle Hill Houses and said, “She talked to me about the new gate and pathway being constructed by NYBG at the farm and said, ‘What NYCHA has done with this space is amazing, and I’m glad to know they are keeping all residents in mind.’”
NYCHA resources for applicants and public housing and Section 8 residents with disabilities:
NYCHA provides reasonable accommodation for applicants, Section 8 voucher holders, and NYCHA residents with disabilities, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and other auxiliary services. Learn more via the below:
New York City Housing Authority
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Fair Housing, and Access Services (EFAS)
Telephone: (212) 306-4468
Fax: (212) 306- 4439
TTY: (212) 306-4845
NYCHA resources for employees with disabilities:
- Visit NYCHA Connect for the Office of EEO, Fair Housing, and Access Services’ (EFAS) page to view NYCHA’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and EFAS’s RA Unit’s FAQ and EFAS’s EEO and Fair Housing Investigations Unit FAQs for any disability related claims.
Citywide resources:
In New York City, the liaison between local government and the disability community is the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), which works to ensure that City offices, agencies, programs, and policies meet the needs and interests of people with disabilities. On its website, MOPD hosts information on education, emergency preparedness, legal, housing, and other resources for people with disabilities.
Featured photo caption: Green City Force Corps Members redoing the accessible path at Howard Houses.