But more than just praise for individuals like Miles, local legislators are taking the opportunity to highlight programs that can create real change for disabled communities of color that are often left out of the conversation.
In NYS, Harlem’s Senator Cordell Cleare and Brooklyn’s Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman are sponsoring bills for a statewide DeafBlind co-navigator program. A co-navigator is specially trained to assist DeafBlind people with jobs, travel, school, and day-to-day activities. They often use tactile sign language in addition to ASL and Braille to help their clients communicate.
Marc Safman, 54, a dedicated community advocate and a DeafBlind Black man living in New York City, has been leading the crusade for a fully funded statewide co-navigator program and more representation in DeafBlind healthcare. Safman had brain surgery when he was 16 and lost much of his hearing and sight throughout his life as a result. He is blind in his right eye and hard of hearing.
. She said that DeafBlind co-navigator programs have been successful in other states and it is time that this “world of services” becomes open to New Yorkers.