New York City Human Rights Law
The New York City Human Rights Law is one of the strongest and most comprehensive civil rights laws in the country.
It is applicable only in the five boroughs, and is enforced by the New York City Commission on Human Rights. The law is similar to the ADA and the New York State Human Rights Law; however, the City’s Human Rights Law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability in bank loans, mortgages, and participation in labor union programs.
Violation of this law enalts a person to bring a lawsuit in State court or to file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
To obtain a copy of the New York City Human Rights Law, or to find out more detailed information, access the New York City Commission on Human Rights Web site at http://www.nyc.gov/html/cchr, or call Voice 1 (212) 306-7500; Fax (212) 306-7595.
Local Law 58 - Accessibility
Local Law 58 of 1987 (LL58), the accessibility amendments to the City’s Building Code, were the first significant change in access to the built environment for people with disabilities in New York City since the 1968 adoption of accessibility standards developed in 1961.
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Free Legal Aid
New York City and County Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Services
Legal Referral Service Association of the Bar
Lawyers donate their time on Monday nights to provide free legal advice to the community. They refer clients to private lawyers with experience in the area of the client’s need. The time and place changes every week. Call for more information.
Legal Referral Service
42 W. 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
English Voice 1 (212) 626-7373
Spanish Voice 1 (212) 626-7374
Fax (212) 575-5676
http://www.abcny.org
Legal Action Center
153 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
Voice 1 (212) 243-1313
Fax 1 (212) 675-0286
www.lac.org
Legal Action Center assists ex-addicts and ex-alcoholics in cases involving employment and other types of discrimination, as well as assist applicants with Certificates of Relief, and has an AIDS/HIC Service Project.
Legal Aid Society
Provides legal services for people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. An office can be found in every borough. Visit their Web site at http://www.legal-aid.org
Manhattan Voice 1 (212) 577-3300; Fax (212) 509-8761
Bronx Voice 1 (718) 991-4758; Fax (718) 842-2867
Brooklyn Voice 1 (718) 722-3100; Fax (718) 722-3093
Queens Voice 1 (718) 286-2450; Fax (718) 263-4234
Staten Island Voice 1 (718) 273-6677; Fax (718) 442-2679
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)
151 West 30th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001-4007
Voice 1 (212) 244-4664
Fax 1 (212) 244-4570
TTY/TDD (212) 244-3692
Brings individual and test case litigation to promote the rights of people with disabilities; promotes disability rights through publications and public education; and develops and implements strategies for the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.