We strongly object to and condemn Saturday Night Live and NBC 4 for their insensitive portrayal of Governor Paterson, which unfairly suggests that the blind are incapable of a high level of professional performance. Not only was this depiction unfair to the Governor, it also reinforces false and offensive stereotypes regarding people with disabilities.

Contrary to this tactless portrayal, hundreds of thousands of individuals who are blind or have limited vision perform their professions in an outstanding manner. They and other individuals with disabilities have fought for years for equal opportunities and treatment under the law. Unfortunately, they still face substantial discrimination in our society, and portrayals such as the one on Saturday Night Live only encourage such discrimination. Rather than a source for humor, I believe Governor Paterson is a true testament to what people with disabilities can accomplish.

Both Saturday Night Live and NBC owe an apology to Governor Paterson and all Americans with disabilities, as well as a strong statement renouncing the implications of the sketch.

*Council Member Koppell is chair of the committee responsible for overseeing the rights of the disabled*