File #: Res 0756-2005    Version: * Name: US Postal Service (USPS) to make its Post Offices more accessible to the visually impaired.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability Services
On agenda: 1/5/2005
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to make its Post Offices more accessible to the visually impaired.
Sponsors: Maria Baez, Tony Avella, Yvette D. Clarke, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Lewis A. Fidler, Helen D. Foster, James F. Gennaro, Sara M. Gonzalez, Letitia James, Margarita Lopez, Miguel Martinez, Michael C. Nelson, Annabel Palma, David I. Weprin
Council Member Sponsors: 14

Res. No. 756

 

Resolution calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to make its Post Offices more accessible to the visually impaired.

 

By Council Members Baez, Avella, Clarke, Comrie, Fidler, Foster, Gennaro, Gonzalez, James, Lopez, Martinez, Nelson, Palma and Weprin

 

Whereas, The United States Postal Service (USPS) updated a majority of their post offices in 1999 to include the installation of flat screen touch panels that allow customers to interact with the teller and make purchases via debit or credit cards; and

Whereas, The newly installed touch panels lack Braille keys, thus making it impossible for visually impaired customers to use the updated system without assistance; and

Whereas, The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation; and

Whereas, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which empowers individuals with disabilities with respect to employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society, was amended in 1998 to include Section 508, which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities; and

Whereas, The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) report on standards and guidelines for Section 508, entitled “Electronic and Information Technology Standards,” includes information kiosks and transaction machines as information technology products which are required to be accessible; and

Whereas, The Access Board also determined that pursuant to Section 508, federal agencies required to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities should include the USPS; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to make its Post Offices more accessible to the visually impaired.

LS# 2140

JC - 12/08/2004