NY: Update on prosthetic parity

Background: The New York parity bill was first introduced in 2001. Following the initial presentation of the bill both the Assembly and Senate bills were referred to committee in 2005 and then again in 2006.

Progress: 2006 was the first year that the New York coalition worked with the ACA through the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL). On May 16th, the ACA brought together activists for a strategy meeting in New York City. The focus of the meeting was the need to educate legislators on the merits of the bill and raise awareness throughout the Empire State.

Status: Even though a great flurry of action happened after the May organizing meeting, we missed the opportunity to have the bill heard in the 2006 session. The session recently ended, but we will continue to work hard to until we have a prosthetic parity bill on the books!

What’s Next: The ACA is working with stakeholders, as well as the campaign committee to organize a wide scale education effort to raise awareness about the need for prosthetic parity and build support in
anticipation of working with legislators to re-introduce the bill in 2007.

We need your help to keep parity moving in New York!
· Tell 10 people you know about our work for prosthetic parity.

· Write a letter to the editor and send it in to your local newspaper.
This is a great way to raise awareness in your community.

· Contact the ACA about joining the New York Parity campaign committee.
APPLL@amputee-coalition.org or 202-742-1885