2023 Disability Law Series:
Civil Rights and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

In the spring of 2023, the Government Law Center and the Institute for Aging and Disability Law hosted a series of virtual programs exploring critical issues related to the civil rights of people with developmental disabilities. Recordings and program materials from each program are available below.

January 12: Overview of Civil Rights and People with Developmental Disabilities - Watch; Listen; Download Program Materials
Panelists introduced attendees to critical civil rights issues faced by people with developmental disabilities. Panelists included Roger Bearden (NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities), Prianka Nair (Disability and Civil Rights Clinic, Brooklyn Law School), Hon. Kristin Booth Glen (Supported Decision Making New York; CUNY School of Law), and Mira Weiss (Weiss Law Group, PLLC). The discussion was moderated by Tara Anne Pleat ’02 (Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC).

February 9: Consent in Health Care Decisions - Watch; Listen; Download Program Materials
Panelists discussed consent in health care decisions for people with developmental disabilities from a civil rights perspective. Speakers include Megan Applewhite (Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany Medical College), Haldan Blecher (NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities), Sheila E. Shea ’86 (Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Third Judicial Department), and Robert N. Swidler (St. Peter’s Health Partners). The discussion was moderated by Albany Law School President and Dean Alicia Ouellette ’94.

March 9: Consent of Adults in Adoption and Marriage Decisions - Watch; Listen; Download Program Materials
Panelists discussed consent and civil rights of adults with developmental disabilities in adoption and marriage decisions. Speakers included Natalie M. Chin (Disability and Aging Justice Clinic, City University of New York), Sheila E. Shea ’86 (Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Third Judicial Department), and Edward Wilcenski ’95 (Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC). The discussion was moderated by Simeon Goldman (Disability Rights New York).

March 30: Challenges in Guardianship and Strategies to Address Them - Watch; Listen; Download Program Materials
Panelists discussed the civil rights challenges of guardianship experienced by people with developmental disabilities, as well as strategies to address such challenges. Speakers included Rose Mary Bailly (Government Law Center, Albany Law School), Julie Friedman (Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Third Judicial Department), Lisa K. Friedman (Law Office of Lisa K. Friedman), Hon. David H. Guy (Broome County Surrogate's Court), Kathryn E. Jerian ’07 (The Arc New York), and Christopher Lyons (AIM Services, Inc.). The discussion was moderated by Lawrence R. Faulkner (The Arc Westchester). 

April 13: Potential Statutory Reforms to Protect the Civil Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities - Watch; Listen; Download Program Materials
Panelists discussed potential statutory reforms to strengthen civil rights protections for people with developmental disabilities. Speakers included Rose Mary Bailly (Government Law Center, Albany Law School), Paul Kietzman ’72 (Barclay Damon LLP), Sheila Shea ’86 (Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Third Judicial Department), and Robert N. Swidler (St. Peter’s Health Partners). The discussion was moderated by Jennifer J. Monthie ’03 (Disability Rights New York).

Questions?
Contact: Rose Mary Bailly, Special Consultant on Aging Law, rbail@albanylaw.edu