NY agency reports decline in disabled abuse - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state agency responsible for care and services for 126,000 disabled New Yorkers says abuse allegations and serious incidents have declined by 22 percent in state-run facilities and by 9.5 percent at others operated by nonprofit contractors.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities cites reforms over the past two years, including better incident reporting and investigations, for the decline from 2011 to 2012.

The agency recorded 12,175 abuse allegations and 4,978 serious incidents, including 1,606 possible criminal acts, in 2011. Complete 2012 data was not immediately available.

Commissioner Courtney Burke says the numbers show progress, though much work remains.

Critics say the state needs to do more, including installing video cameras to deter staff from harming or neglecting disabled residents.

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