Assemblyman Curran Calls for Protection of Individuals with Disabilities

Today, Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.) along with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the New York State Assembly, called for greater protections for individuals with disabilities.

Currently, with regard to suspicious and unexplained injuries to individuals with disabilities, only the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs must be called. This legislation (A.6830), sponsored by Curran, mandates that in these cases and for all medical emergencies that threaten the life and safety of a disabled individual, both 911 and the District Attorney’s Office must be notified, thereby providing a greater chance that an investigation will be opened and those responsible for potential abuse will be held accountable.

“It is a priority of mine to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and I believe it is the duty of all upstanding and caring citizens to do the same,” said Curran. “Individuals who are severely disabled cannot protect themselves against, or alert the proper authorities to, abuse that they may be suffering. This legislation will put an end to the sidestepping of law enforcement and medical personnel to ensure that cases of abuse are brought to light.”

Michael Carey, father of Jonathan Carey who suffered from non-verbal, severe autism, was on hand to support this important legislation. Ten years ago, when Jonathan was 13, his life was cut short because the two aides responsible for his care had improperly restrained him in the back of a transport van. Both of those aides have been convicted of their crimes.

Assemblyman Curran represents the 21st District consisting of parts Nassau County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Curran’s Official Website.