Section I. About the Event
February 24th, 2026 - A successful student empowerment day was held in the Well, in Albany. Thank you to all who helped with the organization. The Government relations committee (GRC) has worked very hard to put this event together. Thank you to ALL STUDENTS who came, and contributed to the video collage. Please stayed tuned for pictures and videos of this event!
The GRC in collaboration with representatives of the members of the NYS Senate are already working towards next year's event. Please consider getting involved and lending a hand!
GRC needs voices, organizers, volunteers and full participation from all NYSDSC members!
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:
- $13 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 of 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 S3369 (Senate) and A05774 (Assembly) which would expand NYS financial aid options for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and make aid resources such as TAP accessible for these students.
Section III. Background Information
- Webinar Recording: 11/21/24 Panel 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).
- The funding is decreasing as the numbers of students with disabilities increase. This impacts the workloads that have evolved and intensifies the process for implementing accommodations. The number of students with disabilities is currently 104,226 for the fiscal year of 2026. If funding provided is $2M, only $19.19 per student is available.
- This funding is greatly appreciated, but this limited funding per student supports minimal progress for programs and supports.
Section IV. Contacts
NYSDSC: registration@nysdsc.org or advocacy@nysdsc.org
Student contacts for student-to-student support:
- SUNY Disability Ambassador Leader: Alexander Jackson
- CUNY/CCSD Student Leaders: Lennyn Jacobs, Leonard Blades, Arturo Soto, Luis (Junior) Alvarez
- Independent Student Leader: Annaliese Simons (they/them)