Alternative Format Documents Now Available to Residents of New York State

Hundreds of thousands of New York residents have significant vision and/or hearing impairments, or other conditions that make reading typical small-print paperwork difficult or impossible. To improve access to information for people with disabilities, the state of New York has started a service to provide accessible versions of state government mailings to eligible state residents. The alternative format mailing program offers Braille, audio, and other versions of documents, free of charge, from several major state agencies.

The program is open to all residents of New York State who are enrolled or enrolling in any program through the following agencies:

·                NY City Human Resources Administration (HRA)

·                NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

·                NY State Department of Health (DOH)

Other state agencies are expected to join the alternative format mailing program. A complete list of participating agencies and programs is located at www.accessibilitycompliance.org.

Accessible Materials, Free to New York Residents

Eligible New York state residents can easily request alternative formats by contacting the relevant agency or their caseworker. Several formats are available to residents, all at no cost:

·                Audio Disc: An audio transcription of a document

·                Data Disc: An electronic document accessible to screen readers

·                Large Print: A large-format version in 18-point print

·                Braille: A double-sided Unified English Braille (UEB) volume

The accessible documents are provided in addition to the standard print mailings, so that family members and caregivers can read along or provide additional assistance as needed.

Building Awareness for a Pioneering Project

The project has been underway for several months. State agencies are increasing efforts to raise awareness and enrollment. In addition, several nonprofit groups at both the national and state level are working to inform New York residents about the program and provide assistance in requesting alternative-format documents.

·                   National Federation of the Blind (www.nfb.org)

·                   American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org)

·                   Bookshare (www.bookshare.org)

·                   Center for Applied Special Technology (www.cast.org)

·                   Equal Access to Software and Information (www.easi.cc)

·                      www.accessibilitycompliance.org provides a full list of    participating programs and also offers assistance via phone and email (888-771-5331, [log in to unmask]).

The alternative format mailing program is funded by the state government of New York as part of a recent legal settlement, and is a major step toward nationwide compliance with federal equal-access laws. The project helps to promote and expand accessibility services in New York as well as the rest of the United States, and its success will enable Americans with disabilities to independently access vital information across a much wider range of agencies and government departments.

Inquiries: 888-771-5331 or [log in to unmask]