June 25, 2015 – After years of advocacy from members of the Disability Community, the Senate and Assembly have both passed a visitability tax credit this year. The Center for Disability Rights applauds passage of the legislation (SB.2967A/AB.1276), which was introduced in by Senator DeFrancisco and Assembly Member Lavine, and which creates a tax credit of up to $2,750 for purchasing a home that is universally visitable or for modifying a home in order to make it universally visitable.

Universal visitability modifications require, among other things, at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance at ground level, at least one accessible bathroom on the same floor as the entrance, and doors and doorways with a minimum 32” clearance. For modifications of an existing residence, the tax credit will be 50% of the cost of modifications, to a maximum of $2,750.

Members of New York State ADAPT and the Center for Disability Rights have traveled from Rochester to Albany many times in support of this bill, which was proposed by disability advocates at the New York Association on Independent Living. The bill passed due to the work of the Disability Community, particularly those members who put in hours of advocacy on the phone, driving back and forth to Albany, and meeting with legislators again and again over the years.

“I’m excited about what this means for community integration,” said Jensen Caraballo, a wheelchair user and member of New York State ADAPT who will benefit from this law. “The bill means that more homes will be places where people with disabilities are included, not excluded. It means visiting family and friends in their homes instead of them having to visit my home. Disabled people will be able to take for granted a lot of things that non-disabled people already take for granted.”

A lack of visitable housing in New York excludes people with disabilities from the social life of our communities. “Without universal visitability, people with disabilities are excluded from events like a summer barbecue, a holiday party at the boss’s house, or a meet-the-candidate event for a local politician,” said Adam Prizio, Manager of Government Affairs at the Center for Disability Rights.” This tax credit gives all New Yorkers – not just people with disabilities – a real financial incentive to make their homes visitable.”

The bill passed the Senate on June 18, 2015, and the Assembly last night. It will be sent to Governor Cuomo for signing. The bill was strongly supported by the Disability Community in New York, which has advocated for its passage for many years.

Contact: Stephanie Woodward (585) 546-7510