NYC Commission on Human Rights Ensures Equal Access for PWDs

A recipient of a PhD in international and developmental administration from New York University, Derek Bryson Park has had an extensive career as an executive for companies such as Lehman Brothers and Forefront Wealth Management. Between 2002 and 2014, Derek Bryson Park served as the commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights in New York, NY.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights serves as the executive arm that enforces the NYC Human Rights Law, considered to be one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the entire country. In fulfilling its mission, the commission ensures that discrimination based on race, color, religion, or gender shall not be permitted in employment, housing, or public accommodations.

One aspect of the commission's anti-discrimination campaign is ensuring equal access to public facilities among people with disabilities (PWDs). The commission works with housing providers, small enterprises, and employers to ensure that they will provide enough accommodation for PWDs in order to avoid discrimination. Examples of such accommodations include the building of ramps, enhancing bathroom accessibility, and permitting service animals.