WBFO Disabilities Desk

A WBFO investigation found that in the latest emergency, the city lacked an interpreter for seven out of 10 storm updates posted by the mayor on Facebook before, during, and after the Christmas blizzard.

Buffalo wouldn’t be the same without football — and a group of disabled athletes are paving the way here for everyone to play.

Last week, we reported on the City of Buffalo’s moves towards creating a full-time ADA Coordinator, including Common Council approval of the $63,000-a-year position. On Tuesday, the city posted the job, referred to internally as the “Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator."

Last week WBFO reported on the City of Buffalo’s at its face violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the apparent lack of an ADA coordinator. Since then, WBFO has spoken with the deputy mayor who says that the city has been working on this issue since April. Their proposed solution came before the Common Council on Tuesday for approval.

Last week, WBFO released an investigation detailing several violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by the City of Buffalo. On Monday, WBFO’s Emyle Watkins sat down for an exclusive interview with City of Buffalo Deputy Mayor Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney to discuss the city’s response and what disabled Buffalonians can expect going forward.

A WBFO investigation has found the City of Buffalo is out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mayor Byron Brown's administration does not have an ADA coordinator, and also struggles to provide American Sign Language interpretation at all news conferences.

Under Title II of the ADA, municipalities with over 50 employees are required to have an appointed ADA coordinator, who handles complaints, accommodations, and ensures the city is not in violation of federal law. At the time of the news conference, the city had been without a coordinator for seven months, and according to WBFO investigation, still does not. It has been 11 months since the position was filled.

Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski is expected to propose a new position within city government that would focus on issues impacting people with disabilities, according to a copy of the agenda item.

Voters with disabilities in parts of Western New York can get curb-to-curb rides to the polls, free of charge, this Election Day.

Every three years the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has to ensure the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is prepared if disaster strikes so they hold a drill to simulate a major emergency. This year they put an emphasis on having volunteers with disabilities and health conditions.