Jillian Miano testifies on service animals, housing privacy, and UNCRPD
Jillian Miano, an autistic self-advocate, says landlords rejected her dogs until they became emotional support animals and the process invaded her medical privacy. She supports Intro 1107 and Resolution 665 calling for UNCRPD ratification.
Good afternoon, Chair and members of the Committee on Disabilities.
My name is Jillian.
I am a resident of New York City, testifying regarding Intro 1107-2026.
I am an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as a 28-year-old woman on the autism spectrum.
As an individual who has moved time and time again with my family, I have faced many landlords rejecting my dogs because they felt they would be a nuisance to neighbors or just wouldn't accept them.
There was a time I had nowhere to go due to a mold-infested home I was living in for six years with my family,
and when I had no choice but to stay with other family members, and the landlords that rejected us would say, and I quote, We will only take your dogs if they are emotional support animals.
I do not want to leave my dogs in the cold or give them away because I...
Created a bond with them.
I had no choice but to make my dogs emotional support animals.
The interview process and paperwork was very personal, which I understand to a certain degree, but to ask for what medications I am on and other aspects that I felt were very private is absurd.
I feel that there should be a different way to have an emotional support animal or service dog.
There should be questions that are not as deep.
that this department goes into his questions.
While Intro 1107-2026 focuses on educating business owners about where emotional support animals cannot go, the council must also address the city handles
the privacy rights of who needs these animals, public campaigns,
must make it clear that a person's dignity and medical privacy should not be compromised just to receive a housing accommodation.
And also, I would like to speak today on Resolution 0665-2026.
I want our country to ratify the UN Convention.
On the rights of persons with disabilities, this treaty focuses on human rights acceptance and making sure society removes barriers for us.
Passing this resolution shows that New York City stands up for the rights of people with disabilities, neurodivergent like me, and millions of other people.
I feel the rights of individuals with disabilities has gone unnoticed in many ways.
Please vote yes to this resolution.
Thank you for your time.