Persons with disabilities comprise a major segment of the state of New York's population and their particular needs and concerns must be considered as an integral part of the planning and implementation of all state programs and services affecting their lives and well-being. The office of the advocate for people with disabilities shall advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and assure that persons with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to exercise all of the rights and responsibilities accorded to citizens of this state.
N.Y. Exec. Law § 460