Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

InclusiveU Students Continue Advocacy Work for Inclusive Higher Education

Thursday, May 16, 2019, By Karly Grifasi
Share
InclusiveUSchool of EducationStudents

Students in Syracuse University’s InclusiveU program spent this year advocating for inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities beginning with a visit to Capitol Hill last fall and ending with a visit to campus from U.S. Representative John Katko.

five people standing in doorway

InclusiveU students with U.S. Rep. John Katko and Professor Beth Myers

InclusiveU junior Cleo Hamilton, senior Gabby Iannotti and sophomore Ian Coe joined Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education staff on a trip to Washington, D.C., where they partnered with National Down Syndrome Society and the Association of University Centers on Disability for an Advocacy Day, meeting with U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices, as well as with Katko. They also attended a hearing on Capitol Hill about the importance of post-secondary employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The trip was combined with the Washington, D.C., premiere of the documentary film “Intelligent Lives,” hosted in partnership with the Syracuse University Alumni Association. The film features Syracuse alum Micah Fialka-Feldman—who is a pioneer for students with intellectual disabilities—and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships.

Syracuse University has a rich history of disability advocacy, including founding the first disability studies program in the nation. The creation of the Taishoff Center a decade ago and the growth of InclusiveU, Syracuse University’s program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has continued to position the University as a national leader in the field. Beth Myers, executive director of the center and Lawrence B. Taishoff Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at the School of Education, views the center’s work as a gateway to a more independent life for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

woman sitting on stage with microphone

Gabby Iannotti

“We have experienced significant growth in the field of inclusive higher education these past several years. Not only are more universities developing programs to meet the need of this under-served population, but our partners, community employers and government representatives are gaining a new understanding of how inclusive higher education benefits everyone,” Myers says. “Most of all, we are graduating engaged self-advocates who are ready to contribute to the world around them and who have paved the way for future students with intellectual disabilities to succeed.”

Representative Katko says that defending the civil liberties of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has always been of the utmost importance to him, and that they must be treated fairly and have access to education and employment opportunities. “I am fully supportive of InclusiveU’s mission and always enjoy the opportunity to interact with students in the program,” Katko says. “I congratulate the students in this year’s graduating class, and I know they will make significant contributions to our society.”

This year’s graduating class of InclusiveU was a record 13 students, anticipated to grow to 20 next year.

  • Author

Karly Grifasi

  • Recent
  • COVID-19 Update: Vaccination | Testing | Important Reminders | Zoom Sessions
    Friday, January 15, 2021, By News Staff
  • Important Update: Spring 2021 Pre-Arrival Testing Requirements (Students from New York State and contiguous states)
    Thursday, January 14, 2021, By News Staff
  • Important Update: Spring 2021 Pre-Arrival Testing and Quarantine Requirements (Students from all states non-contiguous to New York State and international locations)
    Thursday, January 14, 2021, By News Staff
  • Students and Families Invited to Participate in Zoom Sessions to Discuss Return to Campus Planning
    Thursday, January 14, 2021, By News Staff
  • The Role of Digital Forensics and Tracking Down US Capitol Riot Criminals
    Thursday, January 14, 2021, By Daryl Lovell

More In Campus & Community

COVID-19 Update: Vaccination | Testing | Important Reminders | Zoom Sessions

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families: The start of the spring semester is quickly approaching, and many in our community are working diligently to prepare for the return of our students and to safely resume in-person teaching and learning. We…

Important Update: Spring 2021 Pre-Arrival Testing Requirements (Students from New York State and contiguous states)

Dear Students and Families: We are writing as a follow-up to yesterday’s return to campus message, to provide detailed guidance concerning the pre-arrival testing requirements and procedures. Important: The New York State Department of Health policy regarding travel, testing and…

Important Update: Spring 2021 Pre-Arrival Testing and Quarantine Requirements (Students from all states non-contiguous to New York State and international locations)

Dear Students and Families: We are writing as a follow-up to yesterday’s return to campus message, to provide detailed guidance concerning the pre-arrival testing requirements and quarantine procedures. Important: The New York State Department of Health policy regarding travel, testing…

Students and Families Invited to Participate in Zoom Sessions to Discuss Return to Campus Planning

Syracuse University will hold a series of virtual information sessions for students and families to answer questions regarding the return to campus for the Spring 2021 semester. The sessions will feature University leaders and subject matter experts speaking on issues…

Campus Community Invited to Participate in MLK Day of Service on Monday

Monday, Jan. 18, is the national MLK Day of Service, which honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a commitment to community service. This year, Syracuse University students, staff, faculty and local community…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.