The New York State Disability Advocacy Training Network (NYSDATN) is an initiative led by the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University and supported by a three-year, $250,000 annual grant from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD). Housed within Syracuse University’s School of Education, CDI brings together the Center on Human Policy and the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education—two nationally recognized programs with decades of experience advancing the rights, leadership, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Building on this legacy, NYSDATC implements advocacy training curriculum and is working to establish a statewide network designed to strengthen advocacy skills, expand leadership opportunities, and connect individuals and families across New York.

Tailored advocacy trainings and informational resources are being offered to both self-advocates with developmental disability and parents, family members, and caregivers. The program supports participants at different stages of advocacy experience while addressing key topics identified by the community. In addition, the Center is building a peer-led statewide advocacy network to foster collaboration, share resources, and create ongoing opportunities for learning and collective action. By strengthening connections among advocates across New York, the Center aims to amplify the voices of people with developmental disability and their families, helping them improve their own lives while advancing greater inclusion and opportunity throughout the state.