As most New Yorkers have already learned, New York State has been found to have discriminated against thousands of people with psychiatric disabilities by “warehousing” them in adult homes in New York City, according to a landmark ruling by Judge Nicolas Garaufis of Federal District Court in Brooklyn on Sept. 7.

In response to this historic ruling, we are urging Gov. David Paterson, New York’s first governor with a disability, to direct the state to comply with the decision by producing a remedial plan that facilitates the prompt movement of the 4,300 residents named in the suit into supported housing as soon as possible.

The court showed in great detail that the state will actually save money in difficult fiscal times by redirecting funds currently used to keep individuals in the adult homes. We know that providing community-based supported housing and sustaining related services are less costly and more in keeping with our requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In keeping with growing editorial and public opinion, Paterson should seize this opportunity to accept and not appeal the court’s decision and provide adult home residents with long-overdue support to take their rightful place in our communities.

Peter M. Rivera

Chairman, Assembly Mental Health Committee

Shirley L. Huntley

Chairwoman, Senate Mental Health Committee