On May 12, Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute (BBI), in partnership with the CEO Maggie Mortali of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New York City, and CEO Marco Damiani of AHRC New York City, convened at the NYC offices of Cozen O’Conner with firm member Josh Tuman, a groundbreaking stakeholder meeting to examine the development of digital Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) in New York State. Continue Reading
News
Nine Mile Presents Propel Poets Sanni Purhonen and Kenny Fries in a Celebration of Disability, Poetry, and Human Rights
Nine Mile invites the public to Disability Futures, an evening of poetry celebrating disability culture, international literary exchange, and human rights. The reading features Finnish poet Sanni Purhonen and American poet Kenny Fries, with the program moderated by Stephen Kuusisto. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Busboys and Poets, 450 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Continue Reading
Announcing Project PINE: Promoting Inclusion in Natural Environments
We are pleased to announce that the Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University will partner to conduct a comprehensive accessibility assessment at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve in Johns Creek, Georgia. This project will address clear signage, plain-language educational tools, and staff training to eliminate the barriers faced by park guests who have disabilities. Continue Reading
Burton Blatt Institute Sponsors Syracuse Law Students to Attend National Disability Law Symposium
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University sponsored students from Syracuse University College of Law to attend the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium. The annual Symposium is a leading national disability law meeting, bringing together disability rights practitioners, educators, and scholars to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities. The annual event honors the legacy of Dr. tenBroek, who founded the National Federation of the Blind in 1940. The theme for the 2026 Symposium was “Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future.”
The Lion’s Den – A Blog by Leo True-Frost: Supported Decision-Making
I am writing to share my experience with Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY) and my journey toward independent decision-making as I beginn to make plans and create pathways. Working with Associate Director Joan Cornachio, I identified support needs across work, relationships, healthcare, and finances, and assembled a team of 15 family members and friends to assist me. Continue Reading
Beth Sirull, President and CEO of the National Organization on Disability, on the Business Case for Employing People with Disabilities.
“Let’s Get to Work:” A Podcast from the Disability Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (DEP RRTC) – Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University.
Beth Sirull, President and CEO of the National Organization on Disability (NOD), joins the DEP RRTC’s Let’s Get to Work podcast to discuss the future of disability employment policy and why employing people with disabilities “is good for business.” Continue Reading
Lex Frieden, Disability Rights Icon, On the Future of Disability Employment Policy
“Let’s Get to Work:” A Podcast from the Disability Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (DEP RRTC) – Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University.
Lex Frieden, in the inaugural episode of the DEP RRTC’s Let’s Get to Work podcast, discusses his life journey as a pioneering disability rights advocate and national thought leader.
On Saturday night, November 20, 1967, Lex was injured in a car accident and doctors said he’d never walk again. Although Lex recalls, “That did not really have an impact on me at the time,” he soon discovered, “there were barriers literally everywhere . . .. There were steps everywhere, and no accommodations whatsoever.” Continue Reading
BBI Supports Landmark Exhibition Possible Worlds: 20 Years of the Wynn Newhouse Awards
Syracuse, NY – The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University is proud to support Possible Worlds: 20 Years of the Wynn Newhouse Awards, a major exhibition on view at the Syracuse University Art Museum, located in the Joe and Emily Lowe Galleries, from January 20 through May 9, 2026.
The Burton Blatt Institute’s support reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing the civic, social, and economic participation of people with disabilities. “By supporting Possible Worlds, BBI affirms the importance of artistic displays that recognize disability as an integral part of human diversity and creative expression.” says Peter Blanck, University Professor at Syracuse University and BBI Chairman. Continue Reading
Peter Blanck Featured In SU News: Focus on Disability Rights: Q&A With BBI’s Peter Blanck
Syracuse University has long been a leader in disability policy, rights and advocacy. For the past 20 years, the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) and its chairman, University Professor Peter Blanck, have been at the forefront of this work. A nationally recognized expert in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws, Blanck joined BBI at its founding in 2005. He is principal investigator on a recent $4.6 million grant from the U.S.
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Gary Shaheen Retires from the Burton Blatt Institute, Continues Collaboration as Senior Fellow
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University celebrates the retirement of Gary Shaheen Ph.D. whose leadership and commitment have left a lasting impression at BBI and beyond. BBI carries on the legacy of Dr. Burton Blatt by championing human rights and economic and civic empowerment for people with diverse disabilities across the US and internationally. Continue Reading