NY A02527

Adds definition of "disability" to Social Services Law aligned with physical or mental impairments substantially limiting major life activities, including comprehensive lists of affected body systems and psychological conditions.

Requires local social services districts to offer reasonable accommodations to applicants and recipients who have or may have disabilities, including those who fail to complete required processes for receiving public assistance.

Eliminates mandatory disability screening and assessment requirements; prohibits districts from denying, sanctioning, or terminating benefits based on refusal to complete screenings or professional evaluations.

Modifies disability determination procedures to require written notice within fifteen calendar days, referral to independent health care practitioners when no medical documentation exists, and detailed reporting of functional limitations and required accommodations within ten days of evaluation.

Expands employability assessments to all public assistance recipients (not just those with dependent children), requires annual reassessment of work activity assignments, and limits work-limited individuals to six weeks of job search activities per calendar year unless additional time is documented as necessary.