NYSDSC- New York State Disability Services Council Logo

Student Empowerment Day 2025

SECTION I.  Details 

Support legislative funding for students with disabilities enrolled in colleges and universities across New York state:

  • Date of Event: Friday, February 7, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • LocationZoom Connection (coming soon)
  • Audience: Calling all Students, Allies, Faculty, Supporters WELCOME!!
  • Sign up for event details and informational webinars  

Section II. What is the Ask?

We continue to work together for college students with disabilities to receive adequate services and equity in the college setting and request:

  • $11 million in state funding to support Enhancing Supports and Services for Postsecondary Success of Students with Disabilities. Students and advocates have been calling for a full investment up to $15 million in the capacities of higher education institutions to support the access and inclusion of New Yorkers with disabilities in higher education since 2018, and it has been a NYS Regents Priority for seven consecutive years.
  • The passage of S1880, which would expand financial aid options for college students with intellectual disabilities, and make aid sources such as TAP accessible for these students.

Section III. Background information

  • 11/21/2024 Webinar RecordingPanel Discussion about what you need to know.
  •  2025-2026, is the 5th year of funding. Only 2M is supported annually in the governor's budget. Last year there was 4M for a total of $38.38 per student for students with disabilities in higher education for all of the sectors (CUNY, SUNY, Independent, and Proprietary Colleges). 
  • This funding is greatly appreciated, but this limited funding per student supports minimal progress for programs and supports. 

Section IV. Toolkit

  • Draft Agenda [TBA]
  • Scheduling Advocacy Meetings with Legislators
  • What to Expect 
  • Reasons to Attend 
  • Email Campaign to Legislators [word]
  • Social Media Tools

Section V. Contacts

NYSDSC: Registration@nysdsc.org 

STUDENT CONTACTS: for student to student support

  • Independent Student Leader: Annaliese Simons (they/them), as0468@bard.edu



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