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.
Although stepping back from his formal role as Director for Mental Health Initiatives, Dr. Shaheen will maintain his affiliation with BBI as a Senior Fellow to support research and outreach activities that promote economic and community participation for people with disabilities.
“Gary’s work has been foundational to BBI’s mission,” reflects Peter Blanck, University Professor and Chairman of BBI at Syracuse University. “His ability to connect research with real-world practice has changed lives and influenced national policy. We are deeply grateful for his continued collaboration as a Senior Fellow.”
Dr. Shaheen dedicated his forty-plus years of work across public, private, and academic sectors, to establish national programs which opened doors to employment and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. His work has focused on supported and customized employment, financial inclusion, and innovative models of self-employment.
Dr. Shaheen expressed his thoughts about his career transition by saying “It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked at BBI almost from its inception until my most recent role as Director of the evaluation of an innovative eight county California based project to implement digital Psychiatric Advanced Directives. I very much look forward to lending my skills to BBI even after my retirement when needed to advance its mission and goals.”
The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University advances the civic, economic, and social participation of people with disabilities around the world through research, education, and policy development.
About The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI)
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University is a self-funded research institute seeking to advance the civic, economic, and social participation of people with disabilities. BBI’s offices are located on the fourth floor of Dineen Hall.
BBI’s work focuses on two interconnected Innovation Areas: Economic Participation and Community Participation. Through program development, research, and public policy guidance in these Innovation Areas, BBI advances the full inclusion of people with disabilities.
To learn more visit their website at bbi.syr.edu