Burton Blatt Institute Chairman Peter Blanck has been invited to give lectures at King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, recognizing BBI’s international leadership in disability rights, policy, research and education. Tentatively planned for March, the visit will include discussions with Spanish scholars, students and the disability community, along with a visit to the University of Salamanca’s law faculty.
News
Burton Blatt Institute Wins Two National Grants Totaling $4.5 Million
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) has been awarded two competitive grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Together, the awards total $4. 5 million over three years and will bring a significant infusion of new research, education and outreach activity to BBI and the University.
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
BBI Chairman Peter Blanck attends AHRC NYC Community Walk Supports Disability Inclusion and Employment Opportunities
AHRC New York City organized its inaugural “Moving Together for Change” fundraiser for October 3 at Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City. The community walk was designed to bring together people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, friends, staff, and neighbors to support inclusion and opportunities across New York City. Continue Reading
Peter Blanck met with USC Professor Elyn Saks and Rayshell Chambers, CEO of Painted Brain
What does it mean to live a full and meaningful life while managing serious mental illness? In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Elyn Saks shares her experience living with schizophrenia and challenges the myths and stigma that too often surround mental health conditions. Her message is one of hope, dignity, and the importance of compassion and support. Continue Reading
New Podcast: Disability Employment Policy and Economic Opportunity: A Conversation with Dr. Purvi Sevak
Dr. Purvi Sevak, Senior Director of Mathematica’s Disability Practice, joins the DEP RRTC’s Let’s Get to Work podcast hosted by Dr. Peter Blanck, University Professor and Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and Principal Investigator of the DEP RRTC.
Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) Collaborates with New York State Leadership to Advance Digital Psychiatric Advance Directives
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
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.”