Burton Blatt Institute

11/13/2025

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. https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/11/gary-shaheen-retires-sr-fellow/

11/08/2025

Syracuse University Archives - Thanks for remembering and honoring Burton Blatt on this momentous year!

Twenty years ago this month, the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) was established at Syracuse University. Burton Blatt was a pioneering educator in the field of special education here and later Dean of the Syracuse University School of Education. Also an activist, he called for the end of the institutionalization and abuse of people with disabilities. Many of the policies and programs that Blatt promoted are still considered best practice today, including integrating students with learning disabilities into public school classrooms and providing people with disabilities with the education and resources to live and work as independently as possible.

Blatt died in 1985, but BBI was founded to continue his work as well as adapt and expand it for the present-day realities of individuals with disabilities. Since 2005, BBI has engaged in research, education, program development and outreach with the goal of promoting the full social and economic participation of individuals with disabilities in their communities.

This photograph is from the Syracuse University Portrait Collection.

11/03/2025

During November, voters throughout the U.S. will be going to their polling place or voting by absentee ballot. Before you go, check out the Southeast ADA Center fact sheet: “Welcoming Voters with Disabilities.” Contact us if you have any questions about the ADA and voting. https://adasoutheast.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/accessible-voting-infographic.pdf

10/24/2025

Emerald Publishing Limited has announced the release of Disability and the Future of Work, a groundbreaking edited volume that examines how disability intersects with the rapidly changing world of work. Edited by DEP investigators—Fitore Hyseni, Lisa Schur, Douglas Kruse, and Peter Blanck—the book brings together leading scholars and practitioners to explore how technological, economic, and policy transformations are reshaping employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/10/fhyseni-future-of-work/

10/20/2025

Jonathan Martinis, senior director of law and policy at BBI, published in 40 Big Ideas that shape inclusive communities Supported Decision-Making – Keeping the Promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act
https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/10/martinis-big-ideas/

10/03/2025

BBI Awarded $4.6M Grant to Lead Disability Employment Center

The national center contributes to the next generation of federal and state employment policies and serves as a hub for forward-looking research, education and training.

09/11/2025

Volunteers needed for research study
Researchers at Syracuse University are looking for individuals to participate in a study to learn more about the effectiveness of services provided to jobseekers with disabilities.
Your are eligible if you:
Are 18-64 years old
Currently receive SSI or SSDI
Have access to internet via phone, tablet, or computer
Are not currently receiving benefits counseling services
Participation is voluntary
Participation involves
Completing 3 online surveys of 30 minutes each
Being assigned to one of two groups. Activities may differ by group; some participants will take part in additional sessions related to benefits counseling.
Participants will receive
A $25 e-gift card for signing up to participate
A $25 e-gift card for each online survey completed
Interested?
If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, contact the Burton Blatt Institute by email at VRstudy@syr.edu

09/03/2025

New Report Prepared for Syracuse University’s Lender Center for Social Justice – Disability as a Critical Element in Exploring the Racial Wealth Gap. In this report we explore the racial wealth gap for people with disabilities in the United States. https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/09/disability-wealth-critical-element/

08/08/2025

BBI and the Southeast ADA Center have published a New Research Brief – Lingering Inequalities in the Information Age: An Examination of Disparities in Internet Access Among People with Disabilities. Read the entire brief at: https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/08/research-brief-3/

07/26/2025

Today marks 35 years since the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of the disability community in achieving passage of this historic legislation and its bold promise of a more just society for all Americans.

07/24/2025

BBI is excited to announce our newest member of our Senior Fellows team - Robin Paul Malloy, E.I. White Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law; Kauffman Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Director, Center on Property, Citizenship and Social Entrepreneurism; and Professor of Economics, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (by courtesy appointment).
https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/07/robin-paul-malloy/
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

07/22/2025

We are only days away from the 35th Anniversary of the ADA! Kick off your celebration with this enlightening video featuring notable icons like Anjali Florber-Pratt, Eve Hill, Tony Coehlo, Judy Heumann, Lex Frieden, Peter Blanck, and Michael Morris as they discuss the importance of the ADA and its impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
https://adaanniversary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ada-anniversary-celebration-final.mp4