Clement So testifies on deaf seniors' barriers to DRIE
Representing the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association, Clement So describes how deaf seniors face systemic barriers including lack of ASL-accessible eligibility notices, phone-based administrative systems, and tight recertification timelines, and urges mandatory accessible notices, direct ASL video appointments at DOF, and funded community-based navigation support.
Okay, good morning chairs and members of the committee.
My name is Clement So, and I am representing the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association, or MADA.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on housing stability for deaf and hard of hearing senior citizens across New York City.
Housing affordability is a critical issue for deaf seniors living on fixed incomes such as SSI or SSDI.
While programs like DRI and SCRI are vital lifelines, deaf seniors face systematic barriers that prevent them from accessing these protections.
First, many deaf seniors never receive notice of DRI eligibility.
They face sudden rent increases without accessible prior notice, and many remain completely unaware that DRI exists to freeze their rent.
Unknowingly, they pay unaffordable increases for years or face severe eviction risks.
This is all due to a lack of knowledge, I mean lack of language access resources available to support them like ASL resources.
Second, administrative communication is heavily phone-based.
Managing DRI issues or following up on applications rely on systems like 311.
Calling through the video relay service leads to long wait times, dropped calls, and representatives untrained in handling relay calls.
There are no direct visual channels such as ASL video appointments or direct email ticket support.
Third, language barriers and tight timelines create constant hurdles.
Complex legal notices are rarely available in American Sign Language or plain language.
When recertification notices arrive late in the mail, deaf seniors often lose their frozen rent status simply because they lacked accessible support to process the paperwork in time.
We urge the City Council to take these three clear actions.
One, mandate proactive jury notices whenever landlords issue rent increases to tenants receiving disability benefits.
Two, establish direct ASL video appointments and dedicated email support at the Department of Finance so deaf applicants do not have to rely on 311.
Sorry, third, fund community-based organizations to provide targeted, hands-on DRE navigation for deaf and hard-of-hearing New Yorkers.
Thank you for your time and commitment to equitable housing access.
Thank you, Ms.
So.
And I committed, our city council definitely will work with you.