The information below provides details of sessions, location and time.
A tabular format of the days is available to view the layout for each day.
Lakeshore A/B
Tanya Hoistion, Jefferson Community College
10-12p & 1-3p New Disability Professionals Training
Paradise Bay
Don Pool, Jamestown Community College, Kristen Harte, University at Buffalo, Debbie Dimitrovski, Daemen College, Jessica Burnett, SUNY Potsdam, Asantee Mitchell, CUNY
Paradise Bay
Tanya Hoistion, Jefferson Community College
8:40 - 9:40am Incoming President- State of the Council- Goals, Missions, and Values
Paradise Bay
Christen Szymanski, Binghamton University
9:50 - 10:50am Business Meeting
Paradise Bay
Executive board report and updates for the year 2025-26
11:00 to 12:00pm Keynote Speaker (Session 1 of 3)
Paradise Bay
Timelines and Fluidity of Disability Identity
Christina Irene
12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00 - 2:00pm Regional Consortia Re-Launch
Paradise Bay
Nicole Mucica, SUNY Brockport
Amy Fisk, SUNY Geneseo
Sumana Silverheels, Buffalo State University
This session will focus on revitalizing and strengthening regional consortia across New York State to mobilize members and advance NYSDSC strategic goals. These groups unite postsecondary professionals, community partners, and government agencies to collaboratively support students with disabilities. During the session, each region will develop a clear plan to relaunch its consortium for Fall 2026. Participants will define shared priorities, establish initial goals, and identify regional leadership so consortium chairs can connect statewide and sustain coordinated efforts. Grounded in the highly active Western New York model—where Rochester and Buffalo institutions host monthly meetings, coordinate transition initiatives, and problem-solve campus challenges—we will explore practical strategies for expanding this level of engagement across the state. Together, we will lay the foundation for a cohesive network that strengthens partnerships, supports smoother transitions, and improves outcomes for students with disabilities across the state.
Presentation Outline
WNY (and others?) consortium overview
Examples of meeting structure, transition events, and collaborative problem-solving
Identify shared regional priorities and goal
Determine leadership structure and identify potential leaders (Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)
Tentatively schedule their first consortium meeting
Brief regional updates
Establish next steps for chairs to connect across regions
2:10 - 3:10pm Concurrent Session 1.1A
Understanding Deaf Culture and Working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
Michael Mazzaroppi, Syracuse University
Effectively supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) students in higher education requires more than accommodation logistics — it demands genuine cultural competency. This presentation explores Deaf Culture, community identity, and best practices for disability services professionals on college and university campuses.
Attendees will examine the distinction between "Deaf" as a cultural identity and "deaf" as an audiological condition, and develop an understanding of ASL as a complete language that is often primary for Deaf students. Key cultural characteristics, communication strategies, and accessibility considerations — including the limitations of automatic speech recognition — will be addressed. The diversity within the D/HOH community across race, socioeconomic background, and identity will also be highlighted.
Participants will leave with concrete tools for more effective, respectful, and inclusive interactions with D/HOH students.
2:10 - 3:10pm Concurrent Session 1.1B
Advancing Disability Inclusion and Employment Pathways Through Campus Partnerships
Tamara Mariotti, SUNY
John Robinson, Our Ability
The SUNY Pathways to Inclusion Career partnership, now in its second year, brings together John Robinson, President and CEO of Our Ability, and SUNY Career Development Organization (CDO) professionals to strengthen employment outcomes for students with disabilities. This innovative model enhances campus career development practices through a disability‑inclusive lens, combining real‑world expertise, mentorship, and campus‑specific planning.
By adopting this framework, your campus can access tailored guidance from John Robinson, informed by lived experience, regional workforce needs, and the diverse strengths of disabled student populations. Participating campuses identify priority areas for growth and receive structured support to build sustainable, inclusive pathways to competitive employment.
We invite colleges and universities to explore this model, learn from its proven practices, and adapt it to their own campus culture. Discover how this partnership can elevate your commitment to disability inclusion and expand opportunities for all learners.
2:10 - 3:10pm Concurrent Session 1.1C
A Collaborative Model for Advancing Digital Accessibility at the University at Buffalo
Mary Henesey & Brian Belcher, University at Buffalo
Advancing digital accessibility requires coordinated effort across an institution. At the University at Buffalo (UB), five key units—the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Accessibility Resources, the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT), University Libraries, and the Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT)—have developed a collaborative model to support accessible teaching, technology, and student experiences. This presentation highlights how these units align policy, student accommodations, assistive technology expertise, inclusive pedagogy, and library services to create a unified approach to accessibility. The session will share examples of joint training, digital accessibility reviews, and integrated faculty support. Presenters will also discuss challenges such as limited resources and decentralized processes, along with strategies that helped build momentum. Participants will gain practical insights for developing cross unit partnerships that strengthen accessibility infrastructure and foster a culture of equity and inclusion.
2:10 - 3:10pm Concurrent Session 1.1D
Community Connections - Reaching Native American (Haudenosaunee) Communities and Students
Danielle Rourke O’Mara, SUNY Clinton Community College
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy plays a critical role in the history of North America and especially New York. As a Mohawk educator and Learning Resource Specialist, I want to help bridge the gap between Native Communities, college campuses and how students pursue accommodative services to help develop a nurturing environment to learn and thrive along with staying connected to their cultural roots.
3:20 - 4:20pm Concurrent Session 1.2A
The Role of AI in Teaching and Learning
Todd Marshall , Mohawk Valley CC
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how students read, write, organize, and communicate in higher education. For students with disabilities, AI is not a speculative innovation but an access tool already embedded in everyday learning practices. This session examines AI in teaching and learning through a disability-centered lens, exploring how thoughtful implementation can reduce barriers, support diverse learning needs, and promote equitable participation without compromising academic rigor or integrity. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and disability justice principles, the session highlights practical applications of AI that support reading comprehension, written expression, planning, organization, self-regulation, and communication. Participants will also examine ethical considerations, including bias, privacy, academic integrity, and the risks of over-reliance, emphasizing the importance of disability-informed policies rather than blanket restrictions. By centering access as an intentional, values-driven practice, this session invites educators and campus leaders to move beyond compliance toward inclusive learning design that benefits all students.
3:20 - 4:20pm Concurrent Session 1.2B
Skidmore College's UDL Studio
Jamin Totino, Jamin Totino, Meg Hegener, Aaron Kendall, Beck Krefting, Skidmore College
Join Skidmore College's cross-divisional team as we share our innovative year-long UDL Studio initiative, supported by the SWDPS grant. This interactive 60-minute session demonstrates how strategic collaboration between Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and IT can advance institutional implementation of Universal Design for Learning principles.
Our model engaged faculty and staff in developing individualized UDL implementation projects, leveraging Generative AI tools to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in their specific contexts.
Participants will explore:
Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, attendees will leave with an actionable framework for building sustainable communities of practice around UDL implementation at their own institutions.
3:20 - 4:20pm Concurrent Session 1.2C
A Learning Strategist's Approach to Inclusive Campus Culture
Amber Pakkala, SUNY Cortland
As a Learning Strategist who identifies as disabled, I approach my work through both professional training and lived experience. I support students using strengths-based, executive functioning–focused coaching that prioritizes self-advocacy, sustainable systems, and reduced cognitive load. Rather than “fixing” students, I work to adjust environments and empower students to understand how they learn best.
My role extends beyond individual sessions. I collaborate with faculty and campus partners to increase disability literacy, clarify accommodation processes, and build policies rooted in equity and accountability. I believe access is more than compliance—it is emotional safety, representation, and cultural change.
By modeling disability identity development and strategic advocacy, I aim to help students move from self-doubt to self-understanding while contributing to a campus culture where inclusion is embedded in practice, not treated as an exception.
3:20 - 4:20pm Concurrent Session 1.2D
Beyond Orientation: Building a High-Impact Summer Transition Program for Student Success
Jen Forni & Kenneth Anderson, Suffolk County Community College
Leveraging Enhancing Supports and Services for Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) Program funds, Suffolk developed a targeted summer transition experience for incoming students who require more than a traditional orientation. This session highlights how we moved from concept to implementation—securing institutional buy-in, aligning the program with student success goals, and designing an engaging, high-impact experience.
Participants will learn the practical strategies that drove student engagement, including interactive workshops, relationship-building activities, skill-development tools, and intentional use of branding and swag to foster belonging. We will also share lessons learned, measurable outcomes, and replicable practices for institutions seeking to strengthen early connection, confidence, and persistence among new students.
Discover how a well-designed summer bridge can shift students from uncertainty to momentum before the first day of classes.
4:30 - 5p Sector Meetings
Paradise Bay: SUNY Sector
Lakeshore A/B: CUNY Sector
Lakeshore C: Independent Sector
7:30 - 9am Registration and Breakfast
9am - 3pm - Vendor tables & Poster presentation
Paradise Bay
8:30 - 10am NYSDSC Government Relations Committee
Paradise Bay
Amy Fisk, SUNY Geneseo
Christen Szymanski, Binghamton University
It is easy for disability service providers to get siloed in our daily work, with the increase in the number of students served by our offices, complexity of needs, and systems-level work. However, these are the reasons we need to better network, collaborate, and advocate for access and inclusion.
The government relations committee aims to lead the charge in advocacy work at the state level, including the Student Empowerment Campaign, as well as postsecondary transition support efforts. The goal of this presentation is to raise awareness about the NYSDSC government relations committee and the work being done to advocate for college students with disabilities.
10:15 - 11:15am Keynote Speaker (Session 2 of 3)
Paradise Bay
Christina Irene
11:30 - 12:30p Concurrent Session 2.1A
Paradise Bay
Empowering All Learners with Technology
Ian Camera, Apple Education
Given the range of learning styles of college students today, they need the right technology and resources to personalize learning on their terms. Apple builds accessibility features into every product, so everyone can use them in ways that work best for them. Join us to discuss how Apple allows all students, faculty, and staff to explore, communicate, and create.
11:30 - 12:30p Concurrent Session 2.1B
Lakeshore A/B
Financial Independence
Jenna McClosky, NY ABLE
NY ABLE is a savings program for people with disabilities so they can save and invest their money, tax-free, without impacting any federal benefits they may be receiving. The age of disability onset requirement for ABLE programs increased in 2026 from the age of 26 to 46 making 6 million more Americans with disabilities eligible for ABLE programs nationwide.
11:30 - 12:30p Concurrent Session 2.1C
Lakeshore C
Disability, Advocacy, and Higher Education
Helen Witte, SUNY New Paltz
(WAITING ON ABSTRACT)
12:30 - 2:30 - Lunch and Award Ceremony
Paradise Bay
2:45 - 3:45p Concurrent Session 2.2A
Lakeshore A/B
Reframing College Success: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging for Autistic College Students
Jeannine Webster, SUNY Oneonta
A sense of belonging is strongly connected to academic achievement and overall success and fulfillment for students enrolled in higher education. Neurodiverse students, in particular students who identify as individuals with autism, often struggle to find this sense of belonging due to characteristics of autism, institutional barriers, and lack of understanding of their experiences. A sense of belonging is dependent on feeling welcomed, seen, and valued. This presentation will present findings of my recent research on the sense of belonging experienced by five autistic students who shared their lived experiences through narrative interviews. Although the study was conducted at one university, the themes that emerged are universal and can spark conversation about ways higher education can more intentionally create an inclusive community.
2:45 - 3:45p Concurrent Session 2.2B
Lakeshore C
Accessibility and Remediation Tools in Action with SensusFacing the challenges of Title II requirements can be overwhelming for educational institutions. Based on the evolving wishes and demands of client schools, this presentation demonstrates how institutions utilize Sensus accessibility and remediation services to comply with legislation. By featuring the SensusAccess Remediator as a practical example of these tools at work, the Sensus team will show how these services empower faculty and staff to take an active role in the remediation process.
2:45 - 3:45p Concurrent Session 2.2C
Lakeshore D
Bridging the Gap with Fully Accessible and Personalized AI & STEM Capable Note TakingJamworks uses AI responsibly to improve access to learning with personalized Note Taking that conquers even complex STEM classes. Every student learns differently—Jamworks adapts to meet their needs with multiple support formats. Plus, discover JamA11y for accessible document remediation!
2:45 - 3:45p Concurrent Session 2.2D
Lakeshore D
Keeping It Simple: Technology Accommodations at SUNY CortlandIn this presentation, we will share current practices and trends for technology accessibility at SUNY Cortland, focusing on text-to-speech and note-taking accommodations using students' devices and built-in or readily available applications.
This approach has been preferred by many students, as it allows them to not juggle multiple devices while learning techniques they can use in other environments.
3:55 - 4:55pm Concurrent Session 2.3A
Lakeshore A/B
Accessible Procurement Essentials: VPATs, ACRs, and Risk Assessment Made Simple
Jay Harwood, SUNY Brockport & Anjali Shiyamsaran, SUNY Geneseo
This session provides an overview of how to prioritize digital accessibility in the procurement process to ensure the digital tools, resources, and platforms we purchase from third-party vendors meet latest accessibility requirements under ADA Title II and HHS Section 508. Participants will learn what a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is and its role in assessing third-party products, the basics of evaluating a product’s Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), and the common accessibility red flags a reviewer can spot in less than ten minutes. Participants will be introduced to a risk assessment to help campuses prioritize their digital accessibility efforts and conclude with guidance on effective vendor communication and integrating accessibility expectations into existing procurement workflows.
3:55 - 4:55pm Concurrent Session 2.3B
Lakeshore C
Building Universal Classroom Access Through Ecosystem Co-Design
Daniel Goerz & Jacob Cogan, Habitat Learn
What if some of the most common academic accommodations were simply part of the classroom experience for everyone?
This session shares the story of the Podium Solution — a classroom-based accessibility platform co-developed with post-secondary partners through a collaborative ecosystem model that brought together Accessibility Services, IT, faculty, students, and institutional leadership.
From the beginning, the goal was clear: design a solution that supports captioning, note-taking, transcription, lecture capture, text-to-speech, and study tools in a way that feels natural in the classroom while respecting institutional privacy standards and maintaining campus control of data.
Guided by the principle “nothing built for us without us,” students and accessibility professionals played a central role in shaping workflows, usability, and implementation strategy. IT teams were engaged early to ensure alignment with security, infrastructure, and approval processes. Faculty input ensured the solution supported real teaching environments.
A core part of the design focuses on keeping accessibility workflows close to the classroom, supporting institutional data stewardship while reducing reliance on large-scale cloud infrastructure.
The result is a model that demonstrates how universal access can be thoughtfully integrated into the classroom while continuing to support individualized accommodations.
3:55 - 4:55pm Concurrent Session 2.3C
Lakeshore D
AI-Assisted Note-Taking to Enhance the Learning Process, Not Replace It
Sam Robins & Josh Hartrick, Genio
AI is having a significant impact on Higher Education. Without considered implementation, it has the potential to negatively impact learner outcomes, creating increased load for staff and faculty. However, with the correct guardrails, AI can support the learning process rather than replace it.
Students with disabilities often face challenges around executive function and processing. The traditional lecture setting can lead to a state of increased stress, where the pressure of note taking is so high that cognitive overload becomes a barrier, leading to reduced engagement in class. The solution isn't total automation.
We’ll dive into our ethical AI framework, specifically designed to support the learning process by creating productive friction, allowing students to manage cognitive load without sacrificing the desirable difficulty that is essential for learning.
This session highlights how Genio Notes supports diverse learners, from first-year transitions, STEM and ESL learners, to students with ADHD and complex disabilities.
3:55 - 4:55pm Concurrent Session 2.3D
Paradise Bay
Maximizing Impact: Creating a Data-Informed Culture of Disability Support
Paula Possenti-Perez, Syracuse University
Janet Sun, Symplicity
As campuses navigate enrollment challenges and heightened demands for accountability, disability services professionals are uniquely positioned to demonstrate their impact through data. This session explores how creating a campus-wide, data-informed culture of disability support can both enhance student outcomes and justify resource allocation. We’ll examine how institutions have identified, accessed, and leveraged existing campus data sources to track retention and success for students with disabilities and how to translate those insights into powerful cases for investment. Through real examples, metrics, and peer exchange, participants will learn practical ways to align accessibility efforts with institutional goals, turning disability support into measurable impact for students and the institution.
5 - 6p Wine & Cheese - This event is sponsored by vendors. Have your tickets ready and don't forget to thank the vendors.
Paradise Bay
8:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast
Paradise Bay
8:30 - 9:00am - “I Have a Student Who...”
9:00 - 10:00am Keynote Speaker (Session 3 of 3)
Christina Irene
10:10 - 11:10 Concurrent Session 3.1A
Paradise Bay
Developing A Support Group for Neurodivergent Students- From Identification of Need to Service Implementation
Natasha Newman, SUNY Brockport
This session is designed for disability support professionals (including campus counselors and neurodiversity specialists) to launch support groups for neurodivergent students on their campuses. Without the structure and support of high school programs and services, some autistic college students have difficulty building meaningful relationships on campus. Guided by neuroaffirming principles and led by a SUNY Brockport Learning Specialist with 18 years of experience as K-12 school psychologist, this session guides participants through the steps of creating a successful neurodiversity support group, including campus partnerships with counselors, outreach to students, student input and feedback, implementation, and assessment. Participants will learn a framework for a college-based support group that fosters connection and celebrates neurodiversity. The presentation explores the need for neuroaffirming support groups for autistic college students, as well as how to develop and implement such groups. The presentation will be offered in an interactive “What Would You Do?” format to guide participants through the process of developing this service for their students. Attendees will leave the presentation with a guide (partially completed with their “What Would You Do?” answers) for their own neurodiversity support group implementation.
10:10 - 11:10 Concurrent Session 3.1B
Lakeshore A/B
Learn Basic JAWS Commands to Test Content Accessibility
Sumana Silverheels & Grace O’Leary, Buffalo State University
We often find ourselves tasked with checking if documents are accessible. This could be tests that we are administering in our testing centers, web pages, PDF or content that faculty are uploading. Although most of us have text-to-speech products, some extensive screen reader testing is often required to check the accessibility of these documents/pages. This session will provide an overview of how to use JAWS basic commands, and navigating your computer with a combination of Windows keyboard commands with JAWS. These skills are transferable to any screen reader program you may use at your institution. Take home a cheat sheet of commands that can be frequently used in your own work and online resources that will support accessibility testing for compliance.
10:10 - 11:10 Concurrent Session 3.1C
Lakeshore C
Clinical Accommodations in Health Sciences: A Process Overview
Anne Lewis & Joshua Prause, Binghamton University
Determining and authorizing clinical accommodations in health science programs is a unique and multi-faceted process which extends beyond traditional classroom accommodations. Disability service providers are tasked with navigating a complex process that depends on collaboration with students, faculty and often clinical site staff. This presentation aims to provide disability service providers with a general overview of the process from the initial request to accommodation implementation. Attendees will learn critical steps including understanding the importance of timing, identifying essential partners, and implementing strategies for determining whether a requested accommodation is reasonable within the clinical environment. The presentation will end with time for questions and a review of available resources.
10:10 - 11:10 Concurrent Session 3.1D
Lakeshore D
Meeting Students Where They Are
Isaac Augustin & Ivy Sanchez, CUNY Center for Students with Disabilities
York College CUNY's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) transformed its outreach strategy by embracing AI and social media to better reach students with disabilities. Recognizing that traditional communication methods — emails, phone banking, in-person office visits — were failing to connect with a generation living on mobile platforms, the CSD developed the BabyCast Project: an AI-powered, culturally competent content series delivering disability services information through engaging, relatable social media formats.
The results were striking. A standard accommodation tutorial received a fraction of the views of its BabyCast counterpart, which generated nearly four times the engagement, alongside dozens of likes and shares spreading the message organically across campus. Enrollment in disability services soared, climbing well above target for multiple consecutive years and continuing to grow. The core lesson: students aren't disengaged — they're overwhelmed. Meeting them where they already are, in formats they trust, transforms accessibility into connection.
11:20 - 12:15pm Concurrent Session 3.2A
Paradise Bay
Fireside Chat - Sustaining the Work: Leadership Insights from Disability Professionals in NYS
Jennifer Forni, Suffolk County Community College; Kristin Harte, University at Buffalo; Beth Parrott, Cornell University; Raymond Perez, CUNY System Central Office; Paula Possenti-Perez, Syracuse University; Lauren Rodriguez, SUNY System Administration; Suzanne Sprague, SUNY Cortland
This panel brings together accomplished disability services leaders from the City University of New York (CUNY), the State University of New York (SUNY), and independent colleges for an honest, forward‑looking fireside chat about what it takes to lead and sustain impactful disability offices in higher education. Through facilitated dialogue, panelists will reflect on the successes that shaped their careers, the challenges that tested them, and the strategies they used to build coalitions and drive institutional change. The session will highlight lessons learned, practical guidance for emerging professionals, and the personal motivations that keep leaders committed when the work becomes difficult. Attendees will gain insight into the evolving landscape of disability services and leave with renewed inspiration for cultivating access, equity, and empowerment on their own campuses. Time will be given to the audience for Q&A.
11:20 - 12:15pm Concurrent Session 3.2B
Lakeshore A/B
Bridging Gaps, Leading Change: Faculty–Staff Partnerships for Campuswide Digital Accessibility InitiativesRecent changes to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act spurred a sense of urgency in public higher education as campuses grappled with how to meet the required digital accessibility standards by April 2026. Faculty and staff from SUNY Brockport will share their experiences developing effective cross-campus partnerships and collaborating to lead campuswide digital accessibility efforts over the past two years. Presenters will share successes, lessons learned, and future directions, drawing on local initiatives such as the Digital Accessibility Roadshow, Digital Accessibility Faculty Learning Community, and ADA Title II Task Force as examples. With an emphasis on finding allies, building trust, aligning strategic priorities, and fostering sustained momentum across academic and administrative units, presenters will highlight practical strategies for engaging campus stakeholders and enacting cultural change around digital accessibility. Participants will explore opportunities for building similar coalitions at their own institutions via small group interaction and discussion.
11:20 - 12:15pm Concurrent Session 3.2C
Lakeshore C
Co-Designing Success: A Collaborative Approach to Academic ConsultationThis session will introduce a strengths-based academic consulting approach that engages learners as co-designers of their academic consultation experience. Rather than working with students as passive recipients of support, this approach invites them to actively shape how sessions unfold, identify barriers within their learning environment, and explore strategies that enhance their college learning experience based on the knowledge they bring with them. Drawing on my transition as faculty at Landmark College to embracing my role as the Assistant Director for the Center for Academic Success at Alfred University, this session seeks to deepen understanding of how academic success centers can intentionally strengthen belonging, self-determination, academic engagement and wellbeing among neurodivergent learners across colleges and universities. By centering diverse ways of being, thinking and communicating, this approach frames academic support as a collaborative and affirming process. The session will highlight the academic consultation model implemented at a small private university, commonly utilized learning strategies, emerging trends in assistive technology, and recommendations for creating learning environments that empower students to academically flourish in authentic and self-preserving ways.
12:20 - 12:45pm Wrap up - Christen Szymanski - Refocus on our goals as NYSDSC members.
Paradise Bay
Box lunch to go!
Thank you and see you online, at other events, and definitely in June 2027!
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