In a letter to the Governor, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, is calling on the Governor to provide I write regarding “much-needed clarification” on family visitation for those in nursing homes who have not been with loved ones for more than three months. “This is an issue that must be discussed in greater details during you next briefing,” Assemblyman Santabarbara wrote.

New York State is now taking significant steps to re-open the economy and mass gatherings are happening on a daily basis even with restrictions in place, yet many who have loved ones in nursing homes are still waiting to know when they can visit their families again. As many regions are moving into Phase 2 and 3 of the process, Santabarbara says these families deserve some clarity on when they can expect to have some form of in person visitation. “So far, the answers we have received from state agencies basically amounts to: "We need to see what the data provides." This has given these families little comfort and hope,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. He noted that in some areas there have been zero COVID-19 cases and still there has been no change the restrictions currently in place.

Along with nursing homes, Santabarbara added that many others are struggling with having their loved ones with disabilities isolated in state facilities and residential programs like Schenectady ARC. These children and adults have been without the physical support of their families for the past 3 months, only able to see their loved ones on a screen. “In some cases, some of these individuals are non-verbal and unable to use a smartphone for Face Time, so they're restricted to just a phone call with a staff member, unable to communicate with their parents for months.

One family wrote the following: “As a parent I am sure you understand the difficulty with not being able to see your children, getting phone calls about them crying (he is not the only one crying), acting out, sad and not having the ability to communicate over the computer or phone.”

Santabarbara said in the letter, “I assure you there are many families in this situation. Having a son with autism, I do understand what they are going through and I’m hoping you will too after reading this letter. These individuals need to see their families again.”