New York families are protected by three layers of law, IDEA (guaranteeing a Free Appropriate Public Education through an IEP), Section 504 (a civil rights law providing accommodations for students who don't qualify for an IEP), and New York's own Article 89/Part 200 regulations, which set state timelines and define the Committee on Special Education (CSE). Every family has core rights: to request an evaluation in writing, receive a Procedural Safeguards Notice, participate in every meeting with anyone they choose present, review records, dispute IEP decisions in writing, and request an Independent Educational Evaluation at district expense. The process itself runs on a clear timeline, referral, written consent, a 60-school-day window to evaluate and hold a CSE meeting, IEP implementation, annual review, and reevaluation at least every three years, and a strong IEP should have specific present levels, measurable goals, exact service frequencies, and clear accommodations. Advocacy skill-building starts with the student: self-advocacy means knowing your needs and being able to state them, built through self-knowledge, rights awareness, communication, and follow-through, practiced through tools like an "elevator pitch" and situation-specific scripts. For parents, advocacy means showing up as an equal team member rather than a guest, preparing before meetings (reviewing drafts, writing down top concerns and asks), speaking up during them, and following up after (email summaries, dated records, tracking whether services are actually delivered). Across both, the goal is the same: turning knowledge of rights into confidence to use them. 

Capital Region
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady, 100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308
Panel discussion on aging at 11 a.m.
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.

Are you interested in having input in spaces where laws are made? Are you curious about how laws are made?  If so, this workshop is for you. In our workshop, we will discuss the law-making process, why it is important to advocate in government spaces, and how to talk to the people who make the laws. This workshop will include information specific to NY state and will include opportunities for individuals to practice speaking up to advocate for the protection of their rights. This workshop is for self-advocates (those with a disability) as well as family caregivers.

Disability Rights are Human Rights! Disability rights are an important part of our country’s civil rights history. Join us to learn about some of the laws and Supreme Court decisions that protect Americans with disabilities from discrimination and help ensure their right to live full and fulfilling lives. We will cover a brief overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act, laws that impact education (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and the Olmstead Decision made by the Supreme Court. When we know our rights, we are better able to advocate for ourselves in everyday situations. This knowledge also helps us advocate to expand our rights. 

Are you interested in having input in spaces where laws are made? Are you curious about how laws are made?  If so, this workshop is for you. In our workshop, we will discuss the law-making process, why it is important to advocate in government spaces, and how to talk to the people who make the laws. This workshop will include information specific to NY state and will include opportunities for individuals to practice speaking up to advocate for the protection of their rights. This workshop is for self-advocates (those with a disability) as well as family caregivers.

Successful advocacy starts long before the state legislative session begins. Join us to learn how to prepare in the fall months by building relationships with legislators, policymakers, self-advocates, families, and coalition partners, while developing a proactive advocacy strategy for your state. We'll share tools, resources, and practical tips to help you elevate inclusive postsecondary education and create momentum before legislative priorities are set.

What is Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE)? Learn about inclusive college programs that serve students with intellectual disability, how they work, and opportunities that are available in New York State. We will leave plenty of time for Q&A.

Proceeds benefit the Self Advocacy Association of New York State — supporting self-advocates across our community. Supporting self-advocacy for all ages in the disability community.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is hosting a policy webinar on July 14 from 2 - 3:30 PM ET about the new Medicaid work requirements and what they may mean for disabled people.

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Greater Mohawk Valley
Thursday, June 18, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Delta by Marriot, 200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
Screening of Unseen at 11 a.m.

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Taconic
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree Hilton Poughkeepsie, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Panel discussion at 12 p.m.- Thinking Ahead: Aging, Care, and Support
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Southern Tier
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton, 225 Water St, Binghamton, NY 13901
Panelist discussion on Self-Direction at 11 a.m.
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change

Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.

Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network. 

Virtual Learning Session: ABLE Accounts

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12 p.m. OR 6 p.m.

The NY ABLE Program helps New Yorkers with disabilities save money for everyday life expenses without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Eligible individuals can use an ABLE account to pay for disability‑related costs such as housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and assistive technology. Presented by Jenna McClosky.

What You’ll Learn

• What the NY ABLE Program is and who can use it.

• How an ABLE account lets people save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.

• What kinds of everyday disability‑related expenses ABLE savings can be used for.

• How to open an account, add money, and use funds in simple ways.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Common Behavioral Presentations of Underlying Medical Conditions in People with IDD

Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Behavior is a form of communication. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), changes in behavior are often a way of expressing pain, discomfort, or emotional distress. In this session, we’ll look at how certain behaviors can be signs of underlying medical issues. Before starting medication or behavior plans, it’s important to first understand what the behavior may be trying to tell us. Using real-life case examples, this presentation will walk through 10 common behavior patterns that may point to treatable medical causes. Identifying and addressing these causes can make a meaningful difference in health, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Presenter: Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Developmental Medicine, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He is also the President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions serving as medical director of Hudspeth Regional Center in Mississippi for most of that time. While there, he founded DETECT, the Developmental Evaluation, Training, and Educational Consultative Team of Mississippi. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an eLearning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD. He is also the host of the IDD Health Matters Podcast.

What You’ll Learn
• Why behavior should be seen as communication, not just a challenge
• Common behavior patterns that may signal pain or medical concerns
• How identifying underlying causes can improve health and wellness
• Why medical evaluation is a critical first step before treatment plans

Virtual Learning Session: Family Support Services (FSS)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Learn the basics of Family Support Services (FSS), an OPWDD funded program that helps families who are caring for a loved one with a developmental disability at home. This session explains what FSS covers, including respite and goods/services reimbursements, who qualifies, and how to apply. We’ll also briefly review the approval process and what to expect after submitting a request. Presented by Lyndsey Paulin, Home Services Director at Racker.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understand what Family Support Services (FSS) are, how the program works, and who is eligible to apply.

• Explore the types of support FSS can help pay for, including respite care, goods, and services that support a loved one with a developmental disability.

• Review how much funding may be available each year, what reimbursement means, and important rules to know before spending money.

• Learn how to apply for FSS funding, how requests are reviewed, and what options families have if a request is denied.