Disability and the Law is a video series aimed at educating and informing viewers about the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. The series is co-sponsored by the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy and the New York State Bar Association Committee on Issues Affecting People with Disabilities. This series is funded in part by the New York Bar Foundation.
Individual and societal rights and responsibilities regarding the involuntary treatment of persons deemed mentally ill are explored through interviews with clinical or advocacy experts. Also, the standards for commitment and its impact on individuals and society are examined. Winner of the 1989 National Association of Mental Health Information Officer's audio-visual award. 1989.
A panel of clinical, legal, and administrative experts discuss the nature of the syndrome as well as the legal and ethical implications. 1990.
Advances in recent years of technology assistance devices and their actual and potential impact on the lives of persons with disabilities are highlighted. Current Federal and State laws governing the provision and funding of rehabilitation devices are also reviewed. Third place award, 1990 National Association of Mental Health Information Officers video category. 1990.
The need for informed consent and the statutes and case law requiring consent are discussed. A family member, guardian and service provider share their experiences regarding the difficulties encountered in providing treatment to individuals with disabilities. 1990.
A panel of experts reviews federal law, recent court cases and state legislation pertaining to transportation in daily activities such as employment, health care and social interactions for persons with disabilities. 1990.
The legal and social aspects relating to the issue of sexuality and mental retardation presented by persons with mental retardation, parents, attorneys and other professionals is addressed. 1992.
This program is intended to foster public education about the issues and problems confronting persons with deafness or hearing impairments in accessing hospital and emergency care. 1993.
The characteristics of offenders with developmental disabilities are reviewed with recommendations for appropriate care and treatment. Persons interviewed are experts in the field, including the Commissioner of Corrections, prisoners, and participants of alternative sentencing programs. 1994.
Highlighting the benefits of supported employment to employers and persons with disabilities, this program explores the history of employment options for persons with disabilities and the federal laws which promote and govern supported employment. Interviews demonstrate the benefits of supported employment and the numerous options available within the program. 1997. Honorable mention, National Association of Mental Health Information Officer's Audio-Visual Award, 1997.
This program examines three of the most important disability rights statutes ever enacted: the Individual with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Throughout the show, viewers hear from individuals with disabilities and other advocates who assisted with the passage of these laws and who have experienced, and continue to experience on a daily basis, the tremendous impact of these laws. This video promotes an appreciation and understanding of these crucial disability rights laws which attempt to assure that individuals with disabilities are afforded the same rights and opportunities that most Americans take for granted. 1997.
This video explores the New York State Guardianship Laws and, in particular, Mental Hygiene Law, Article 81 proceedings. Through a dramatization which details one family's struggle, the show highlights the key elements in the guardianship process. 1998.
Through visits to a variety of educational placements, parents, students, teachers, administrators, and an attorney with expertise in special education share their experiences and knowledge regarding the various educational opportunities and rights for children with special needs. 1999. This program was funded in part by the New York Bar Foundation. 1999.
This video explores the Early Intervention process in New York State and provides an overview to the services and supports available to young children with disabilities and their families. 2000. This program was funded in part by the New York Bar Foundation.
Families face many challenges when raising a child with a disability. Through the voices of experienced parents, viewers will share in the emotional journey that families have traveled and hear how they have learned to advocate for their child. This video provides hope and encouragement to families as they travel through their own journey. 2001.
Individuals who sustain traumatic brain injury can experience a variety of cognitive, physical and/or behavioral changes in varying degrees. This program provides information about the treatment approaches, laws, insurance, social security and Medicaid provisions relevant to these individuals and their families, friends and attorneys. It also promotes public awareness of the frequency of this injury and the need to prevent brain injury. 2002.
This video explores the importance and growth of sports and recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities. The program features important legal actions involving athletes with disabilities and reasonable accommodations. Specific segments include: the landmark Casey Martin Supreme Court case, wheelchair racers' right to compete in the New York City Marathon, and access to the wilderness cases in the Adirondacks and the Appalachian trail. 2003.
This video is a companion video to the award winning and 2002 Academy Awards nominee documentary "The Collector of Bedford Street." The program identifies the benefits of including people with disabilities in the community and explains the basics in regard to establishing a supplemental needs trust (SNT). SNTs are specially created to supplement the services already provided by the government. A SNT allows a family and/or friends to set aside funds to assist their loved one's to meet everyday living expenses, without jeopardizing their loved one's critical governmental health and basic financial support services. 2003.
For most parents, obtaining a quality education for a child with disabilities is a confusing and at many times a frustrating experience. Parents going through the process for the first time are commonly confronted with a dizzying array of federal and state laws. This program features advice from parents who have found ways to confront these issues and have had successful experiences. 2003
This program highlights the Brooklyn Mental Health Court. It demonstrates how this special court offers a diversion process for individuals with mental illness. The goal is to use the authority of the court to link offenders with mental illness treatment inorder to stablize their mental health, avoid jail time, and prevent the individual's return to criminal activity. 2004
This program highlights the array of work incentives designed to assist persons with disabilities to enter or reenter the workforce without the fear of losing the critical support of public health and other related benefits. Work incentives such as the Medicaid Buy In program, the Ticket to Work program, and Social Security PASS plans are discussed. Persons who have successfully benefited from these and other work incentive programs are featured. 2006
This show explores – through informative interviews with attorneys, school administrators, transition coordinators, teachers, parents, students with disabilities and employers – the importance of preparing young adults with disabilities for the world of work. Applicable laws and procedural requirements are discussed. Several successful transition stories are highlighted. 2007
This show highlights the voting experiences of persons with disabilities and the national and local changes underway as a result of the Help American to Vote Act. Disability voting advocates and legal experts share their insightful perspectives and visions on how to establish a voting system that will finally be fully accessible and secure for all Americans.
For more information or to purchase copies of the videos in the series, contact:
Linda M. McMahon
Governmental Relations Department
New York State Bar Association
One Elk Street
Albany, NY 12207
Tel. (518) 487-5686
e-mail: LMCMAHON@nysba.org
The price for individual videos is $25.00 or $400.00 for the series of 22 shows.