In this post, I'd like to discuss a subject that has been of increasing concern to me -- discrimination against the disabled and our search to find appropriate homes for the Developmentally Disabled.
When I was in law school, I had the opportunity to moderate a discussion group that featured our former U.S. Attorney General under two Presidents and twice Governor of Pennsylvania- Dick Thornburgh. He played a leading role in the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a conversation with him, I learned that his son had been in a car accident which left his son disabled and through personal experience, Mr. Thornburgh learned of the many obstacles faced by those with disabilities and he wanted and worked for change.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is one of our most important legislative triumphs.
My interest in improving the lives of the disabled does not come from any direct personal experience. My interest comes simply from the belief that it is a test of who we are as a society - as to how we treat those less fortunate then ourselves.
Thankfully our State since the days of Willowbrook and the 1970's, has changed how the disabled are cared for and treated. It is one of my proudest tasks that today I am the exclusive Site Selector for New York State in locating homes for the Developmentally Disabled in four of our five New York City boroughs.
However, I have been dismayed at the prejudice we still encounter -- largely from the Real Estate Brokerage Community with an antiquated belief that property values will be lowered by having the State care for Disabled individuals in our residential communities. It's a belief I find appalling.
Are persons aware of the number of disabled persons being born today and of the current aging population? Are persons aware that with the passing of time - families will not be able to continue to care for these individuals but will be looking to the State to care for them?
Each home that my team of agents examine -- we ask, would I place my child here to live? -- the answer should only be yes.
My hope is that as the New York Times in recent weeks has written stories about the disabled, that it is creating renewed interest in the sophisticated care and humanitarian spirit of what is being accomplished and being worked towards - and that home owners looking to sell their properties will see selling their homes to the State for the Developmentally Disabled as a proud endeavor.
