‘Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now, and Next’ Exhibit on View Through November 3 

NYS Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today invited the public to view the new Disability Rights Employment Awareness Month, or DREAM, exhibit “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now, and Next,” at the New York State Capitol.

“During Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month, we take time to recognize all we have achieved and the work that still needs to be done to ensure people with disabilities have the same access to employment opportunities as all New Yorkers,” Commissioner Moy said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has expanded the focus of DREAM to honor our state’s robust disability rights movement and acknowledge those responsible for the advancements made in the fight to see those with disabilities have equal protections and services to succeed in the workforce.”

The “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now, and Next” exhibit shines a spotlight on the people, legislation, and advocacy dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for New Yorkers with disabilities. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the first federal legislation to address access and equity for people with disabilities.

The exhibit highlights New York State’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of the disability community and Governor Hochul’s focus on safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities to live and get around independently in their own communities.

The exhibit also honors the memories of two New York trailblazers who passed away this year. Judith “Judy” Heumann and Sally Johnston’s advocacy broke down barriers and created new pathways for people with disabilities in and beyond the workforce.

Judith “Judy” Heumann (1947-2023) is regarded as the mother of the disability rights movement. Diagnosed with polio as an infant, she was not allowed to attend New York City schools. Decades later, she became the first person using a wheelchair to teach in a New York State school. Heumann went on to become an influential teacher and activist.

Sally Johnston (1942-2023) was an activist for people with disabilities from Syracuse. She founded Disabled In Action of Greater Syracuse and worked tirelessly to improve public transportation for people with disabilities.

The exhibit will be on view in the Governor’s Reception Room on the New York State Capitol’s second floor until November 4. The Capitol is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. The exhibit space will not be open to the public on Monday, October 9.

Additional information about the exhibit may be found here.