February 7, 2025
New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC) will host a virtual advocacy day titled, Student Empowerment Day, at 11:00am on February 7, 2025. This virtual time is about the NYS Disability Community. Legislators, allies, alumni, parents, students, disability staff will all come together to request increased funding and support for students with disabilities in higher education for all sectors (SUNY, CUNY, Independents, and Proprietary Colleges). All students with disabilities, allies, and professionals interested to attend need to sign-up to receive the Zoom link and information.
This funding has been approved in the past and is called Enhancing Supports and Services for Students With Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) up to $4 million. This NYSED supported funding is one area that the New York State Legislators can take action and propose up to a base of $15 million, which is the base amount that is expected to level out services for students with disabilities. Last year’s allocation of $4 million, approximately $38.38 per student with disabilities across all sectors of higher education in New York State and was appreciated. However, $2 million could be removed again this year, and only $2 million is the reoccurring base in the governor’s budget for 2025-2026. When you have inconsistent funding and a low base, it is difficult to fund the true programs needed.
Increased funding for students in higher education with disabilities is an investment in student services that would finally provide adequate resources to many underfunded higher education programs and support to provide completion of degrees, higher paying employment, and ultimately, tax-paying citizens. Student Empowerment Day is a platform not just for dialogue but for action. Please email registration@nysdsc.org for more information.New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC) will host a virtual advocacy day titled, Student Empowerment Day, at 11:00am on February 7, 2025. This virtual time is about the NYS Disability Community. Legislators, allies, alumni, parents, students, disability staff will all come together to request increased funding and support for students with disabilities in higher education for all sectors (SUNY, CUNY, Independents, and Proprietary Colleges). All students with disabilities, allies, and professionals interested to attend need to sign-up to receive the Zoom link and information.
This funding has been approved in the past and is called Enhancing Supports and Services for Students With Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) up to $4 million. This NYSED supported funding is one area that the New York State Legislators can take action and propose up to a base of $15 million, which is the base amount that is expected to level out services for students with disabilities. Last year’s allocation of $4 million, approximately $38.38 per student with disabilities across all sectors of higher education in New York State and was appreciated. However, $2 million could be removed again this year, and only $2 million is the reoccurring base in the governor’s budget for 2025-2026. When you have inconsistent funding and a low base, it is difficult to fund the true programs needed.
Increased funding for students in higher education with disabilities is an investment in student services that would finally provide adequate resources to many underfunded higher education programs and support to provide completion of degrees, higher paying employment, and ultimately, tax-paying citizens. Student Empowerment Day is a platform not just for dialogue but for action. Please email registration@nysdsc.org for more information. New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC) will host a virtual advocacy day titled, Student Empowerment Day, at 11:00am on February 7, 2025. This virtual time is about the NYS Disability Community. Legislators, allies, alumni, parents, students, disability staff will all come together to request increased funding and support for students with disabilities in higher education for all sectors (SUNY, CUNY, Independents, and Proprietary Colleges). All students with disabilities, allies, and professionals interested to attend need to sign-up to receive the Zoom link and information.
This funding has been approved in the past and is called Enhancing Supports and Services for Students With Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) up to $4 million. This NYSED supported funding is one area that the New York State Legislators can take action and propose up to a base of $15 million, which is the base amount that is expected to level out services for students with disabilities. Last year’s allocation of $4 million, approximately $38.38 per student with disabilities across all sectors of higher education in New York State and was appreciated. However, $2 million could be removed again this year, and only $2 million is the reoccurring base in the governor’s budget for 2025-2026. When you have inconsistent funding and a low base, it is difficult to fund the true programs needed.
Increased funding for students in higher education with disabilities is an investment in student services that would finally provide adequate resources to many underfunded higher education programs and support to provide completion of degrees, higher paying employment, and ultimately, tax-paying citizens. Student Empowerment Day is a platform not just for dialogue but for action. Please email registration@nysdsc.org for more information.