The School of Education’s Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) has been awarded $250,000 per year for three years from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD). The grant will fund a pilot advocacy training curriculum and help CDI establish a statewide advocacy network for people with developmental disabilities and their family members.

The comprehensive advocacy training will have separate tracks for self-advocates and for parents, family members and caregivers. Trainings will be developed and offered based on the needs of each cohort, incorporating previous experience in advocacy as well as topical areas of interest.

CDI also will create a statewide peer-led advocacy network for people with developmental disabilities and their families. There will be ongoing learning and advocacy opportunities for trainees and the broader community.

“CDD is excited to partner with the Center on Disability and Inclusion on this innovative project,” says Kristin Proud, executive director of the CDD. “This initiative will empower people with developmental disabilities and their families by offering greater collaboration and support in advocacy efforts across New York State. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts this program will have on people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

“We are grateful to the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities for investing in this important work,” says Christy Ashby, professor in the School of Education and director of the CDI. “This grant will allow us to expand access to advocacy training and build a sustainable, peer-led network that empowers individuals and families statewide.”

Self-advocacy and advocacy help people to increase their confidence and quality of life, as well as build connections in their communities. Making connections and meeting those in similar situations helps advocates make progress in their efforts to improve their own lives and the lives of others.

Although there are advocacy groups for people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the state, there is not yet a strong network which brings them together to share information, resources, and coordinate opportunities. Through this project, Syracuse University will build this broader community and amplify the voices of advocates across New York State.

CDI is uniquely positioned to lead this work due to its historical and ongoing commitment to self-advocacy, family engagement, and inclusive leadership. The center brings a decades-long legacy of advancing the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities through training, coalition building and systems change.

The public can get involved by completing a brief statewide needs assessment survey. The survey will help CDI identify training priorities, barriers and support needs of self-advocates and families throughout New York. The findings will directly shape the curriculum and outreach strategies to ensure they are responsive, accessible and relevant to diverse communities.