We invite you to join us on our journey and to make a more inclusive world where all people are valued. In honor of our namesake, Burton Blatt, it is our mandate to continue to create innovative solutions to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. We look forward to working together to positively impact people with disabilities. Take some time to explore the many ways to get involved.
Collaborations and Partnerships
BBI’s mission – advancing the lives of people with disabilities – is made possible through our many collaborations and partnerships. BBI partners across disciplines at Syracuse University and other educational institutions as well as with public and private agencies.
Each of our partners has a unique set of experiences, research, and knowledge around disability and provide for creative solutions. Separate we will not be able to solve the challenges facing people with disabilities. Together as partners we will continue to bring about positive change. Learn more about our Collaborations and Partnerships.
Scholarships and Programs
There are a number of ways students and faculty members can get involved with us. BBI offers select faculty members an opportunity to be directly involved in policy development, research, and analysis on a range of issues, including education, civil rights, technology, health care, housing, and employment through our Fellowship Program. BBI also offers students an opportunity to gain experience through our Internships and Research Assistant positions
Burton Blatt Fellows
BBI provides opportunities for members of the Syracuse University community selected from different colleges and nominated by their respective deans to be Burton Blatt Fellows. The BBI Fellows program is for student and faculty participants to gain first hand experience with the interdisciplinary study and application of disability law and policy as it relates to the advancement of the social and economic independence of Americans with disabilities. Fellows participate in seminars, writing opportunities, research grants, and other activities with the BBI leadership team and staff.
BBI Fellows are offered an opportunity to be directly involved in policy development, research, and analysis on a range of issues, including education, civil rights, technology, health care, housing, and employment. Fellows participate in seminars, writing opportunities, research grants, and other activities with University Professor and Chairman Peter Blanck, along with leaders who are involved daily in the interpretation, evaluation, and development of public policy related to persons with disabilities and their families. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with the BBI Syracuse, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta offices. Learn more about our current BBI Fellows.
Internship and Research Assistant Opportunities
An important part of our interdisciplinary approach is also educating the next generation of leaders. More than 100 students have made meaningful contributions to BBI, and have gained invaluable experience along the way. BBI offers internship and research assistant opportunities at its Syracuse and Washington, D.C. offices.
BBI employs a team of second and third year law students during the general academic year. These Law Research Assistants (Law RAs) work closely with BBI’s legal research team in examining the latest developments in disability law and policy, and extensively writing on these developments for a variety of BBI projects and target audiences. The RAs also work with diverse BBI social scientists to gather relevant research that informs grant proposals and deliverables.
Law RAs receive regular guidance for improving their legal research and writing skills, and have gone on to work in private practice, public interest law, and law and policy research. During the summer, BBI typically employs two or three Law RAs for more time intense work weeks.