On Monday March 14, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law two bills sponsored by Council Members Helen Rosenthal and Ritchie Torres making it easier for people with disabilities to access city services and civic life. You can read more on Council Member Rosenthal’s Facebook Page: helenrosenthal.com.

HLAA Member Jerry Bergman was instrumental in shaping and advocating for these bills, which specifically benefit those with hearing loss as well as those with other disabilities. Ruth Bernstein is a longtime advocate. I represented the chapter and national in supporting these bills.

As the happy faces in this picture show, advocacy is rewarding!

Photo left to right: Katherine Bouton (President, HLAA-NYC), Ruth Bernstein (HLAA), Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Jerry Bergman (HLAA), Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Photo by William Alatriste for the New York City Council.