Calling all NY college students and allies, We need YOU!!!  

Support for legislative funding for students with disabilities in New York Post-secondary education

More information to come. Come back frequently!!

More information to come. Come back frequently!!

Sign up for informational meetings here: https://shorturl.at/0LiJa  ALL Students, Allies, Faculty, Supporters WELCOME!!

Join NYSDSC from across the state of New York at Empire State Plaza Convention Center and Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY, to show unity and advocate for a clear message that people with disabilities are present and an important part of Higher Educational institutions. Sign up for continued information and meeting times for December through February and join us in Albany.

Next year, 2025-2026, is the 5th year of funding and only 2M supported annually in the governor's budget. Last year there was 4M for a total of $42.22 per student for students with disabilities in higher education for all of the sectors (CUNY, SUNY, Independent, and Proprietary Colleges) which is greatly appreciated but inconsistent funding supports minimal progress for programs and supports for the students with disabilities.

Currently with your assistance, NYSDSC is requesting all show up and rally to provide an additional 11M for a total of 15M for the 2025-2026 annual budget year. This amount would provide minimum relief. In reality, more funding is required. The disability offices are directed to:

• Support increasing complexity in disability needs on the campuses 
• Workloads that have evolved and has intensified the process for implementing accommodations. 
• Specialization demands in compliance, laws, assistive technology, developing policy, etc. 
• Digital accessibility knowledge of materials or training others to complete, including faculty

Toolkit for Colleges:

Team Leaders/Chaperones... Sign up and show up for a rally TBA: February 2025 from 9:30am to 3:00pm in Albany Empire State Plaza [map] Register to receive updates by emails and information for the day.  Those that register  will receive zoom meetings for students, allies, faculty or staff to learn more information, ask questions, and help plan.

• Draft Agenda [TBA]
• What to Expect, What to Bring [word]
• Reasons to Attend [word]
• Student Letter to legislators [word]
• Albany Empire State Plaza [map] 

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

• student empowerment day.jpg  Please use the following Alternative text for this picture:        Alt text: Brought to you by New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC): SIGN UP ASAP! Student Empowerment Day, Show us the money! February 2025 at the Concourse & Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12242; Drop off at Madison Ave. For toolkit and event information, please frequent the NYSDSC webpage:  https://www.nysdsc.org/event-5948888 or email registration@nysdsc.org
• student empowerment day Invitation.pdf  Accessible

STUDENT CONTACTS: for student to student support

Students who wish to attend and want student to student connections, you  are encouraged to contact either of these respective student leaders below to help to coordinate:

• SUNY Disability Ambassador Leader:  Alexander Jackson alexander.jackson02@cortland.edu 

• CUNY/CCSD Student Leader:  Lennyn Jacobs LJacob@hostos.cuny.edu  , Leonard Blades leonardccsd@gmail.com

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

Directions by Google Maps.