The CDD awards the Advocacy Training and Statewide Network project to Syracuse University
The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce an award of $250,000 in grant funding per year for three years to Syracuse University to develop and pilot an advocacy training curriculum and establish a statewide advocacy network for people with developmental disabilities and their family members.
The Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, housed within the School of Education, includes the Center on Human Policy (CHP) and the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. Together, these Centers bring a decades-long legacy of advancing the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) through training, coalition building, and systems change. The CDI is uniquely positioned to lead this work due to its historical and ongoing commitment to self-advocacy, family engagement, and inclusive leadership.
With this grant funding, Syracuse University’s CDI will develop a comprehensive advocacy training for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The training will have separate tracks for self-advocates and parents/family members/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. Syracuse University will also 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 as well as the broader community.
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 the State.
You can get involved by answering a brief statewide needs assessment survey. The survey will help Syracuse University 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.
Kristin Proud, Executive Director of the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities said, “The CDD is excited to partner with the Center on Disability and Inclusion at Syracuse University on this innovative project. 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.”
Dr. Christy Ashby, Director of the Center on Disability and Inclusion said, “We are grateful to the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities for investing in this important work. This grant will allow us to expand access to advocacy training and build a sustainable, peer-led network that empowers individuals and families statewide.”
